Beermen head to semis

MANILA, Philippines — With a fiery third-quarter assault, second seed San Miguel Beer surged ahead of No. 7 Rain or Shine and took the express lane to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Coming out of the halftime huddle with guns blazing, the Beermen seized a 20-point tear then weathered the Elasto Painters’ fourth-quarter storm to post a 127-122 quarterfinal win last night at the PhilSports Arena.

Bennie Boatwright, who topscored with 41 points, and Jericho Cruz, who shot a complementary 20, provided the big spark in a telling 42-22 salvo in the third that gave twice-to-beat SMB control coming off a 67-67 standoff.

The duo combined for 20 in that game-changing period, where the Beermen shot 17-of-24 spiked by a 6-of-8 three-point shooting while holding the Elasto Painters to a measly 7-of-20 clip.

SMB coach Jorge Gallent, whose charges now await the winner of the Last-8 pairing between No. 3 Ginebra and No. 6 NorthPort, said after a tight first half, they recognized the need for better ball distribution and patient execution.

“We just needed to pass the ball and rely on open shots (in the third). In the first half, Rain or Shine was clogging the lane and we were forcing shots for layups,” said Gallent. “Second half, we learned to kick out the ball and Jericho and the guards did well in shooting threes. Great team offense.”

Boatwright accounted for five conversions from deep and hauled down 10 boards plus four dimes to power the San Miguel franchise to its fourth straight semis stint.

Aside from Cruz, Terrence Romeo (15), Chris Ross (14), June Mar Fajardo (13-13) and CJ Perez (11) also turned in double-digit production among the SMB locals.

“We all know lahat ng defense ng ROS focused kay Bennie. He’s been playing well since coming over. Our job was to make the right plays, pag open, tira,” said Cruz.

Tree Treadwell posted 22 markers with 10 rebounds and eight assists to show the way for the E-Painters, who made a run at it with a 33-18 exchange in the fourth before bowing out.