San Miguel booked a semis seat, spoiling the return of NLEX star Robert Bolick, who was fresh from his SEA Games 2025 gold medal win in Thailand.
It was as if San Miguel was already in possession of a best-kept formula to win games in the playoffs.
This after the top-seeded Beermen bucked a sluggish start to outlast No. 8 NLEX, 101-94, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals on Christmas Day.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: San Miguel through to semifinals after ousting NLEX]
Defending champion SMB, armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, denied the Road Warriors the chance to extend its stay in the conference as it booked its own spot in the semifinals.
“Because of the experience, they know how to win, especially in the second half,” said Beermen coach Leo Austria.
[WATCH: No. 1 San Miguel first team to advance to PH Cup semis | PBA Highlights]
Dawn of Don
Down 53-47 at the break, San Miguel struck the Road Warriors with a telling 21-2 run to wrest control behind Don Trollano.
Trollano dropped 15 of his 17 points i in the Beermen's 32-19 assault in the said frame.
Then, SMB did just enough to cruise to the much-needed victory.
“In the first half, talagang they (Road Warriors) messed up our rotation. Come second half, I changed it and started Trollano. I'm happy he performed right away,” said Austria.
It was June Mar Fajardo, though, who imposed his might from start to finish as he wound up with a monstrous 26-point and 23-rebound game.
He also had six assists.
Jericho Cruz also came up big with 18 points, including 11 in the opening salvo.
Cjay Perez added 14 points, three rebounds and five assists for the Beeremen, who will face either Converge or Ginebra in the semis.
“Either of the team [between Converge or Ginebra], it’s really hard. Semifinals is a different ball game,” said Austria.
“We’ll take a break to celebrate Christmas because our next game will be on Jan. 4.”
Meanwhile, Robert Bolick returned from his SEA Games conquest with Gilas Pilipinas with a stellar showing of 31 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block.
But it was not enough as he and his fellow Road Warriors headed to the exit door.
San Miguel vs. NLEX Scores:
SAN MIGUEL 101 – Fajardo 26, Cruz 18, Trollano 17, Perez 14, Brondial 8, Tautuaa 6, Lassiter 5, Tiongson 4, Cahilog 3, Teng 0, Rosales 0, Ross 0
NLEX 94 – Bolick 31, Bahio 10, Fajardo 10, Ramirez 9, Alas 9, Onwubere 9, Gonzales 6, Mocon 5, Torres 4, Capulong 1, Policarpio 0, Rodger 0, Nieto 0
Quarterscores: 28-29, 47-53, 79-72, 101-94
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.