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San Miguel def Rain or Shine, 129-116 [PBA S47 Govs’ Cup | Mar. 17, 2023]

San Miguel completed its PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations campaign with enough of a flourish by beating import-less Rain or Shine, 129-116, Friday at the PhilSports Arena.

The Beermen, however, must still play a brief waiting game before finding up where it winds up and who their opponent would be in the quarterfinals that start in just two days’ time.

Mo Tautuaa and Vic Manuel each had 23 points while CJ Perez also had a double-double in leading a balanced attack that was sustained even with import Cameron Clark sitting it out in the final 17:13 of the game due to foul trouble as SMB racked up its second straight win to finish with a 9-2 record overall.

The Beermen could even figure in a three-way tie at 9-2 for first place in the team standings if Barangay Ginebra beats TNT later Friday.

The Tropang Giga lead at the moment with a 9-1 slate with the Gin Kings at 8-2. If Ginebra wins by three points or less, SMB will secure the top seed with Ginebra taking the No. 2 and TNT No. 3.

Whatever and whoever, the Beermen would still have the twice-to-beat advantage and coach Jorge Gallent has the luxury of having ample time to focus on fixing what isn’t right with his team.

“We just have to play good defense. We can’t rely on our offense, we can’t win. Our main goal is to work on our defense and let it trigger our offense. If we play bad defense our offense will suffer,” maintained Gallent. “We really have to work hard for 48 minutes in order to make it far in the playoffs.”

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