PBA: SMB halts Phoenix’s win streak in Christmas Day rout

The San Miguel Beermen dominated the fourth quarter to cruise to a 21-point victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 117-96, in a Christmas Day game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

New import Bennie Boatwright Jr. posted team-highs of 26 points and 16 rebounds alongside four assists, a steal, and a block while Terrence Romeo exploded to score 15 of his 22 points in a lopsided fourth period that saw the Beermen outscore their opponents, 38-16.

San Miguel improved to 6-3 while Phoenix, which was on a six-game winning streak, dropped to 7-2 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Entering the final frame down by one, 80-79, San Miguel surged ahead on an 8-0 run that gave them an 87-80 lead behind back-to-back baskets from Romeo.

Romeo hit a triple at the 3:25 mark of the fourth to cap another 7-0 run for the Beermen, 106-92. After an RJ Jazul split from the free throw line, SMB rattled off 11 unanswered points to seal the win.

CJ Perez also had a big game with 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists and five steals for the Beermen.

Johnathan Williams III led Phoenix with 37 points and 16 rebounds while Jazul finished with 14 to pace the Fuel Masters’ locals.

The scores:
San Miguel 117 - Boatwright 26, Romeo 22, Perez 20, Cruz 15, Trollano 12, Brondial 8, Lassiter 6, Tatua 4, Mallilin 2, Ross 2.

Phoenix 96 - Williams 37, Jazul 14, Manganti 11, Mocon 10, Tio 6, Rivero 5, Alejandro 4, Garcia 4, Muyang 3, Tuffin 2, Camacho 0, Daves 0, Lalata 0, Rangel 0, Verano 0.

Quarters: 30-34, 54-58, 79-80, 117-96.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News