In a triumphant display of depth and composure, San Miguel clinched a commanding victory over Barangay Ginebra, securing their place in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. Led by standout import Bennie Boatwright Jr. and the dynamic Jericho Cruz, the Beermen claimed a 94-91 victory, completing a three-game sweep and earning the first seat in the championship series.

Depth and Composure

San Miguel’s head coach, Jorge Gallent, credited the team’s composure for the triumph before a fervent crowd at Mall of Asia Arena. The Beermen’s remarkable depth played a crucial role in the series, with Boatwright contributing 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Cruz provided a spark off the bench with 17 points. This depth, coupled with unwavering composure, proved instrumental in overcoming Ginebra’s challenge.

Ginebra’s Deficiency

Ginebra’s coach, Tim Cone, acknowledged San Miguel’s well-coached and high-level performance, pointing to the opponent’s depth as a decisive factor. Cone noted that San Miguel showcased balance and versatility, with different players stepping up in each game of the series. Despite the Gin Kings’ commendable effort, they fell short against a “very deep” and well-balanced Beermen squad.

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Beermen’s Dominance

San Miguel’s dominance was evident throughout the series, with CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter making significant contributions in previous games. In the decisive Game 3, Boatwright Jr. and Cruz took the spotlight, leaving little need for June Mar Fajardo, the reigning Most Valuable Player, to dominate the scoring. The Beermen’s 44th Finals appearance highlights their consistency and formidable lineup.

Finals Bound

With a Finals berth secured, San Miguel awaits the winner between sister team Magnolia and Phoenix Super LPG. While Magnolia leads the series 2-1, Cone believes that any team facing San Miguel will face a significant challenge. The Beermen are determined to claim their 29th title, and their well-rounded gameplay poses a formidable obstacle for their Finals opponent.

Outlook on Finals

As the championship race unfolds, San Miguel’s impressive display suggests that both Magnolia and Phoenix will need to bring their A-game to contend with the Beermen. Cone, now a spectator, emphasizes the challenging task that awaits any team going up against the depth and skill of San Miguel in the Finals.

Stay tuned for an exciting PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals as San Miguel looks to secure their 29th title.