Beermen flatten, eliminate Dyip

MANILA, Philippines -- The San Miguel Beermen exploded in the second half and showed the Terrafirma Dyip the end of the road in the PBA Philippine Cup with a 110-91 demolition Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

San Miguel is going to the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup and will face either the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters or the TNT Tropang Giga.

Reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo flexed his muscles in the interior with 25 points and 22 rebounds. Terrence Romeo added 19 off the bench.

After leading by just one, 45-44, at the half, the Beermen started to wax hot and unleashed a 24-9 run to go up by 16, 69-53, at the 4:13 mark of the third quarter.

Terrafirma tried to claw their way back in the fourth quarter, inching to just 11, 76-87, with a triple by Andreas Cahilig.

A 9-0 run capped by a jumper by Fajardo put the game at an insurmountable 20 point lead, 96-76.

Javi Gomez de Liano pulled the Dyip to just 15, 83-98, but Don Trollano and Fajardo put the finishing touches and secured the semifinal berth.

"Of course, our energy. We came out in the start of the game, we pressured a lot, and we brought them out of their comfort zone," San Miguel head coach Jorge Gallent told reporters after the game.

"The energy and the discipline on defense today really worked."

Trollano and CJ Perez produced 18 markers apiece for the Beermen, while Jericho Cruz had 11.

Gomez de Liano spearheaded Terrafirma with 23 points and six rebounds.
Stephen Holt and Juami Tiongson chipped in 18 each for the Dyip, who forced the do-or-die after a surprising win last week.

The Beermen shot 49% from the field, making 46-of-93 attempts, compared to the Dyip's 43%.