SMB forces quarterfinals knockout game after victory over NorthPort

“Final : 98 – 84 in favor of the San Miguel Beermen!
Best Player: Chris Ross with 18 points and 9 rebounds #PBACommsCup #PBALabanKungLaban” (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

The San Miguel Beermen continued to keep their hopes up in entering the playoffs after forcing a Game Three for the playoffs against NorthPort last Sunday, July 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, defeating the Batang Pier, 98-84, for the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

Chris McCollough proved that he is beginning to build team chemistry with his new teammates as he finished with a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds, majorly contributing to the 16-0 run that the Beermen acquired in the final quarter. Yet, the Player of the Game was teammate Chris Ross, who scored 18 points and added nine rebounds and two assists. Arwind Santos went 3-of-5 in the three-point line as he contributed 15 points, while big man June Mar Fajardo had a stunning 11 points and 19 rebounds.

For NorthPort, it was June’s Player of the Month Robert Bolick who was the highest scorer at 20 points, while Mo Tautuaa chipped 12. Import Prince Ibeh had a double-double of 12 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out in the last three minutes of the match.

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria stated, “It’s a good game for us. We were able to get this win and get a chance to redeem ourselves from our first loss against them in the eliminations,” adding, “Tonight, I’m so happy with [my] team because they understand our situation right now. We’re not comfortable in this position, but they gave us a chance to win.” The defending Philippine Cup champion coach concluded, “The composure of the team is still intact. They know how to handle the situation.”

Game number three between Northport and San Miguel is happening on Wednesday, July 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The winner will advance to the semifinals.