PBA: San Miguel flexes might vs. Magnolia for 2-0 series lead in finals

San Miguel did not give Magnolia any measure of confidence this time around, cruising to a 109-85 Game 2 victory in their best-of-seven PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals series on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Beermen, who almost squandered a double-digit lead before taking Game 1 last Friday, secured a 2-0 series lead to move two victories away from the championship, while also extending their winning streak to 11 dating back to the elimination round. 

San Miguel waxed hot from the get-go, burying 11 triples in the first half alone, five of which came from import Bennie Boatwright, as they took a whopping 79-58 cushion.

The wards of head coach Jorge Gallent did not ease on the gas pedal since then despite a comeback attempt from the Hotshots in the fourth quarter.

Magnolia, who opted to bring in its second and third units late in the game anew, staged a small 9-0 run led by import Tyler Bey to cut the deficit to 17. 

The Beermen, however, simply knew how to respond, answering with a 7-0 rampage capped by a Boatwright triple to build another big lead at 93-69 before seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo put the seal with a series of trips to the line and an unusual pair of three-pointers. 

Boatwright was still on top of things, pouring in 34 points alongside 10 rebounds, five assists, and a steal while Fajardo tallied a double-double of 19 markers and 14 boards on top of four dimes, two blocks, and a steal. 

CJ Perez added 20 points while Marcio Lassiter chipped in 11 built on three triples. As a team, San Miguel dropped a total of 16 three-pointers compared to just seven of Magnolia. 

Scores:

San Miguel 109 – Boatwright 34, Perez 20, Fajardo 19, Lassiter 11, Cuz 10, Trollano 5, Ross 3, Teng 2, Tautuaa 2, Jimenez 2, Mallilin 1, Romeo 0

Magnolia 85 – Bey 22, Barroca 11, Escoto 10, Sangalang 8, Jalalon 6, Lee 5, Corpuz 5, Dela Ros 4, Mendoza 4, Abueva 3, Laput 3, Tratter 2, Eriobu 2, Ahanmisi 0, Dionisio 0.

Quarters: 31-25, 54-41, 79-58, 109-85.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News