Titleholder San Miguel Beer kept its rampage alive, nailing a seventh straight win and reclaiming its spot atop the PBA Philippine Cup standings. The Beermen outclassed a Blackwater side on Saturday night, December 13, hammering out a 116-92 victory at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo to catch up with Rain or Shine in the race for a Top Four finish, which comes with a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

June Mar Fajardo and his teammates will solidify their playoff position with a single win in their final two games against Terrafirma on Wednesday or Meralco on Friday. “Hindi naman namin tinitignan kung six straight na or seven straight wins. Basta every game, we want to win especially today. It’s not assurance yet we’ll get into the Top Four, but the chances would be high with this win,” said SMB coach Leo Austria.

The Beermen have been on a hot streak since recovering from a 0-2 conference start, highlighted by upsets over NLEX and Phoenix. Their winning run was extended against Blackwater, which has lost considerable strength after lending Abu Tratter and Dalph Panopio to Gilas for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Don Trollano sparks Beermen’s hot streak

Don Trollano led the scoring parade for San Miguel Beer off the bench with 22 points and added four rebounds. “Nung first half kasi, hindi tumatama si CJ (Perez), and we’re reminded by Coach (Leo Austria) to be aggressive,” Trollano said about his torrid shooting, which included two treys and one four-point play.

Trollano emphasized that the team’s mindset was to stay consistent, especially as the playoffs approach. Despite early struggles, CJ Perez finished with 16 points, while Fajardo posted 11 points and 12 rebounds and Rodney Brondial added 15 points and 10 rebounds for double-double efforts. Jericho Cruz chipped in 12 points.

Blackwater falls short but Una shines

Playing extended minutes in the absence of Tratter and Panopio, rookie James Una delivered a sterling double-double for Blackwater with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Coach Jeff Cariaso’s squad has now lost nine straight games and will face TNT Tropang 5G in their final outing on December 19.

Blackwater’s depleted lineup struggled to match the Beermen’s intensity and consistency, ultimately falling short despite Una’s strong individual performance.