San Miguel Beer closed out its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup elimination round with a 116-104 victory over Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The win allowed the Beermen to finish with a 7-5 record while extending their winning streak to three games heading into the playoffs.

Phoenix started strong and built a 30-22 lead after the first quarter, taking advantage of San Miguel’s slow opening stretch on both ends of the floor. The Beermen eventually settled into rhythm and tightened their execution to gradually erase the deficit and seize control of the game.

Bennie Boatwright led San Miguel in scoring with another strong performance, while Jericho Cruz provided key energy off the bench that helped shift momentum. Their combined efforts allowed the Beermen to sustain control in the second half and pull away late.

San Miguel steadies late surge

San Miguel coach Leo Austria credited his team’s composure after another early struggle that mirrored their mid-elims inconsistencies. The Beermen were able to recover in the latter part of the elimination round and carry that momentum into their final stretch.

The Beermen finished the eliminations strong after bouncing back from a 4-5 record earlier in the conference. They closed out with consecutive wins over Meralco, Terrafirma, and Phoenix, showing improved cohesion on both ends.

Phoenix opens strong early

Phoenix Super LPG kept pace early behind Johnathan Williams III, who anchored their offense with 26 points and 13 rebounds despite the loss. The Fuel Masters controlled stretches of the first quarter before San Miguel’s depth and pace began to take over.

Bennie Boatwright finished with 34 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to lead San Miguel’s balanced attack. The Beermen’s late-game execution proved decisive as they secured a strong finish heading into the quarterfinals.