WATCH: Finals bound!
Despite not originally intending to, San Miguel achieved its desired revenge against Brgy. Ginebra by completing a sweep in the semifinals of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.
The Beermen secured their spot in the finals with a 94-91 victory over the Gin Kings at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, January 28.
After being swept by the Gin Kings in the semifinals of the Governors’ Cup last season, San Miguel returned the favor and wrapped up the series in just three games thanks to another impressive performance from import Bennie Boatwright.
Beermen head coach Jorge Gallent emphasized that their goal was simply to defeat the Gin Kings, regardless of the number of games it took.
“Never was,” said Gallent when asked if revenge was part of the team’s motivation. “Coming into this series, our mentality was to move forward, whether by three, or four, or five.”
Boatwright contributed 26 points and 13 rebounds, aiding the Beermen in their ninth consecutive win and their first appearance in the finals since the Philippine Cup last year and the Commissioner’s Cup in 2019.
The local players also stepped up in the crucial moments of the game, with CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz, Marcio Lassiter, and June Mar Fajardo making significant shots in the fourth quarter.