San Miguel continues playoff push, routs Phoenix

San Miguel gave its chance in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs yet another boost after dealing the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters a harsh 128-108 beating, Wednesday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen pulled away in the second quarter by turning a seven-point lead to a wide 46-30 edge, and they would never look back since. San Miguel would lead by as many as 28 points, 100-72, with about 11 minutes left in the final frame.

San Miguel has now won back-to-back games and has improved their record to 4-5 to sit at seventh for now.

“This win is a welcome development for us. Finally, nag-back-to-back kami. And going to the next game, it gives us a lot of confidence and this lifted up our morale. This win was really badly needed ng team,” said head coach Leo Austria.

“But we’re not yet there. We still have to work hard for our next game, and that is very crucial for us to get to the playoffs. At least our goal to get to the best-of-three is still achievable,” furthered the decorated bench strategist.

Chris McCullough powered the Beermen with 37 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and a steal in over 32 minutes, as reigning five-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo finished with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks.

Alex Cabagnot had 16 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. The 36-year-old guard has now moved to number seven in the league’s all-time career assists list, surpassing Ronnie Magsanoc who has 3,228 dimes.

Terrence Romeo, who left late in the third with a dislocated finger, had 13 points. Christian Standhardinger added 10.

Richard Howell had 15 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a steal to lead Phoenix. Matthew Wright and seldom-used Rey Guevarra had 14 points each, as RJ Jazul made 12 markers, seven boards, and six dimes.

The Fuel Masters absorbed their second straight loss and dropped to 4-6, making it a tough road for them to the playoffs.

The Beermen will next face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters this Saturday, July 13, in Cagayan De Oro, while the Fuel Masters will battle the also-ran NLEX Road Warriors this Friday, July 12, at the Cunetas Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Scores:

San Miguel 128 – McCullough 37, Fajardo 22, Cabagnot 16, Romeo 13, Standhardinger 10, Pessumal 8, Lassiter 6, Santos 5, Lanete 3, Nabong 3, Ross 3, Zamar 2.

Phoenix 108 – Howell 15, Wright 14, Guevarra 14, Chua 12, Jazul 12, Mallari 10, Intal 8, Perkins 7, Marcelo 5, Napoles 5, Kramer 4, Gamboa 2, Wilson 0, Dennison 0.

Quarterscores: 30-21, 61-45, 97-70, 128-108.