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MANILA, Philipines – Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen bowed out of playoff contention despite a 106-94 win over the Globalport Batang Pier in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday, March 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In order to have had a chance at making the top 8, the Beermen should have won by at least 32 points due to inferior quotient. San Miguel, who started the Commissioner’s Cup at 0-4, wrapped up a disappointing conference with a 4-7 slate.
“I think it’s a nice win for us to end our second conference,” said a cheerful San Miguel head coach Leo Austria. “It’s very unfortunate for us because we struggled in our first few games.”
Reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo saved his best for last, scoring a season-high 31 points on top of 19 rebounds to lead the Beermen.
Import Arizona Reid finished with 20 points, including 10 in the fourth to hold back Globalport, along with 5 rebounds.
Austria hinted that Reid, who was initially set to play for San Miguel in the third conference, will likely return for the Governors’ Cup since he is already familiar with the team’s system.
Guards Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, and Chris Lutz posted 15, 13, and 11 points, respectively.
San Miguel, worked hard to win by the huge margin required, attempting 17 three-pointers, 62 two-point field goals, and 35 free throws. But they shot just 36 of their 79 combined field goals and only started pulling away late in the fourth with Fajardo and Reid conspiring for 6 straight points to make it 100-92 with 1:46 left.
Cabagnot hit the dagger three-pointer, 103-94, with 43.6 seconds left and followed that up with another one to seal the victory.
“I’m happy to end this conference on a winning note,” Austria said.
Import Derrick Caracter led the Batang Pier with 18 points and 19 rebounds while Terrence Romeo had 15 points and 3 assists.
Gabby Espinas, who banked a shot and converted a three-point play to bring Globalport to within 92-94 with 3:14 left, ended up with 14 points. Ronjay Buenafe added 13 markers.
Globalport, which ended the eliminations at 4-7 and on a 4-game losing streak, still has a chance to make it to the playoffs if Alaska loses to Ginebra on Wednesday, March 25. – Rappler.com
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