Honoring a brother
San Miguel Beer moved one step closer towards a rare elimination round sweep on the day Arwind Santos’ jersey number was retired after beating Blackwater, 124-109, Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Beermen took command in the second half on their way to going 10-0 in the all-Filipino tournament with a game to play in the eliminations while ending the Bossing’s chase for a quarterfinals berth.
Coach Jorge Gallent and the Beermen will face the Meralco Bolts on Saturday in Batangas City to conclude the initial phase of the season-ending conference.
Don Trollano was adjudged Player of the Game for his 25-point effort off the bench while CJ Perez had 26 points, five rebounds and five assists to cap off a game that served as a celebration of Santos’ San Miguel career.
Santos’ No. 29 jersey was retired in a ceremony held at halftime, and it also served as an opportunity for the “Death Five” to reunite, with ex-San Miguel star Alex Cabagnot also in attendance.
June Mar Fajardo, a part of that talented group, had 21 points and 16 rebounds while Marcio Lassiter scored 11 with three triples, putting him at 1,208 for his career while Chris Ross had three assists and two steals.
Blackwater was officially booted out of the running for the quarters with its seventh straight defeat after a 3-0 start.
Rookie James Kwekuteye, Jaydee Tungcab and Troy Rosario scored 15 points each for the Bossing.
The Bossing wrap up their 48th season on Saturday against the Phoenix Fuel Masters, also with a similar record, in a game with only pride at stake at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
