WATCH: Don Trollano Highlights [San Miguel vs Phoenix | Dec. 25, 2023]

San Miguel relied on a dominant fourth quarter to defeat Phoenix Super LPG, 117-96, on Christmas Day at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. With the win, the Beermen secured a spot in the quarterfinal round of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.

Terrence Romeo came out with guns ablaze and scored 22 points on 8-11 two-point shooting while dishing out eight assists. CJ Perez nearly achieved a double-double, contributing 20 points and nine rebounds. Their standout performances powered the reigning Philippine Cup champs to their third consecutive victory, improving their record to 6-3 going into the holiday break.

“Nasa mind ko talaga na mag-aggressive, so ‘yon talaga ‘yung mga shots ko eh. Thankful ako sa tiwala ni Coach Jorge (Gallent), na kahit na medyo ‘di ko nakuha ‘yung first half, pero nando’n ‘yung tiwala niya sa ‘kin kaya nakabalik ako no’ng second half,” said Romeo during the post-game press conference.

Though he scored only seven points in the first half, the former FEU Tamaraw made key contributions when the team needed him most.

Debuting import Bennie Boatwright led SMB with 26 points, while Phoenix counterpart Johnathan Williams finished with a monster double-double with 37 points and 16 rebounds.

Phoenix saw their six-game winning streak end as the playoff-bound team fell to 7-2.

It was a close game through three quarters, but the Beermen dominated the fourth, outscoring the Fuel Masters 38-16 to seal the win.