San Miguel secures playoff spot with 30-point rout of Phoenix

San Miguel officially clinched a playoff berth in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup after crushing the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 110-80, Friday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University in Bacolor, Pampanga.

The 27-time PBA champs displayed their superiority after leading by as much as 37 points in the 3rd quarter even without leading scorer Terrence Romeo.

CJ Perez paced the Beermen with 27 points on 7-of-14 shooting spiked by 2 three-pointers while Mo Tautuaa racked up 19 points and 6 rebounds. June Mar Fajardo posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

“Sabi ko sa kanila, we have to bounce back. And talagang makikita niyo na nag-bounce back kami. But I’m not expecting na ganito ang magiging outcome. I’m really surprised.” said SMB coach Leo Austria.

The 63-year-old tactician praised the two-time PBA scoring champion for his 27-point outburst.

“Of course, give credits to the players. Especially (CJ Perez). Sabi ko, talagang all-out siya. And the rest of the crew, talagang naglaro sila because they know the importance of this game.” he added.

Phoenix, on the other hand, lost their second consecutive game and is currently on the brink of elimination with 4 victories against 7 defeats.

Jason Perkins registered 18 points on 47% shooting from the field to go along with 9 rebounds and 1 assist while Matthew Wright tallied 10 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Chris Banchero contributed 13 points and 3 rebounds.

The scores :

San Miguel 110 – Perez 24, Tautuaa 19, Fajardo 18, Santos 16, Ross 9, Lassiter 8, Zamar 5, Pessumal 5, Romeo 3, Sena 3, Gotladera 0, Comboy 0, Gamalinda 0

Phoenix Super LPG 80 – Perkins 18, Banchero 13, Muyang 12, Garcia 11, Wright 10, Manuel 8, Chua 6, Jazul 2, Calisaan 0, Melecio 0, Rios 0, Pascual 0

Quarterscores: 24-21, 55-47, 85-59, 110-80.