PBA Semis: SMB makes it two in-a-row vs. ROS, just a win away from finals

MANILA, Philippines – Rain Or Shine thought it could tie the series at 1 apiece after imposing a 29-point lead early in the 1st half. But the San Miguel Beermen turned the tides in their favor and won in the 2019 PBA Commissioners’ Cup semis game, 117-105 on Monday, July 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Chris Ross hit a new career high with 34 points and shot 10 three pointers in game 2
Chris Ross hit a new career high with 34 points and shot 10 three pointers in game 2 win vs. ROS | Photo Credit: pba.ph

What’s the worst scenario to be in when in semifinals? It’s being down 2-0. Coach Caloy Garcia absolutely doesn’t want to be in a bad place entering game 2 of their best-of-five duel vs. SMB.

Just like game 1, Rain Or Shine had a good start and outshooting San Miguel early in the opening period. Carl Montgomery, seemed flawless both in and out of the ark and the main reason why ROS was ahead of SMB.

Scary time for San Miguel as Rain Or Shine players started to wax hot from the rainbow territory and had made 7 triples in the first that gave the Elasto Painters a series-high 1st quarter lead, 34-13.

The Beermen looked like they’re not being themselves as the fans saw them being hammered left and right by Rain Or Shine. The three point shooting spree continued as Ed Daquioag kept it going beyond the ark.

San Miguel’s defense was too sloppy and the players didn’t even put so much pressure and challenge on the Painter-shooters.

Rain Or Shine got a dose of its own medicine as San Miguel finally found its rhythm. Led by Chris Ross and Chris Mccullough, the Beermen erased a once 29 big point ROS advantage.

The Beermen produced 39 amazing points in the 2nd quarter and were behind by Elasto Painters by 3, 52-49 at the half.

During the 3rd quarter, the three point shootout had cooled down for both squads. But it was San Miguel who had a good rest during the halftime break as they finally snatched the lead from Rain Or Shine.

Come midway of the third, San Miguel’s advantage went up to double figures and Chris Ross was just terrific from the three point line.

Aside from Ross, former scoring champion Terrence Romeo hit his range and contributed significant numbers to his team.

Christian Standhardinger who was also playing an excellent basketball in this game had been thrown out due to 2 technical fouls. Nevertheless, SMB still possessed the lea at the end of the third, 89-73.

Rain Or Shine was obviously shocked and was caught off guard as San Miguel broke into the 20-point advantage in the final canto.

At the 5:21 mark of the 4th, the man of the game, Chris Ross, achieved a milestone by surpassing his personal career high with 34 points.

Coach Garcia seemed to surrender with over 3 minutes left in the game as he inserted his back-up unit while Coach Leo Austria retained his solid core to ensure a game 2 victory.

117-105 is the final score as San Miguel Beermen made it a step closer to the finals and could close the series on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.

— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express



Previous Post Next Post