SMB barges to quarterfinals with win over Blackwater

The Beermen pipped the Blackwater Elite, 115-106, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay to seal the playoff berth. (Photo: PBA/Facebook)

MANILA — Many thought San Miguel could be in for a surprise early exit in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup following an 0-3 start.

After a win on Wednesday night, the team is heading back to the quarterfinals.

The Beermen pipped the Blackwater Elite, 115-106, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay to seal the playoff berth.

Following a first quarter surge by Blackwater, SMB went on a 29-15 second quarter burst, coupled by another 27-point bubble in the third to steal the win.

Arwind Santos led the Beermen, who will play the Magnolia Hotshots on Saturday night, with 23 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Marcio Lassiter added 18 points, one rebound, six assists, and one steal, while Kelly Nabong chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, and a steal.

Henry Walker tallied 26 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block for the Elite, who bowed out of the tournament at 1-10.