By Adrian Stewart Co

The San Miguel Beermen have qualified for the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup finals after defeating the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters in their best-of-seven semifinal series. San Miguel won 105-94 in Game 5 last Thursday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Chris Ross led the win with 24 points, including five triples; while Alex Cabagnot added 22 markers.

The Beermen surged to a 9-2 start with triples from Ross and Cabagnot before the Fuel Masters rallied to within four; however, triples from Ross and Marcio Lassiter extended SMB’s edge to 22-15.

The Beermen were still on point in the second period with back-to-back triples from Von Pessumal widened their advantage to 34-25.

The lead further grew to 51-39 at the half on consecutive points from Ross and Cabagnot.

The Beermen then launched a huge run from Cabagnot, Ross, and Matthew Ganuelas-Rosser for its biggest lead of 78-53.

Phoenix answered back with a huge fourth quarter run to come as close as 98-94 but a basket from Romeo and free throws by Santos and Cabagnot brought SMB’s lead back to 11 points./ASC, WDJ