The San Miguel Beermen are carrying a blazing momentum into the playoffs of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner's Cup.
San Miguel defeated the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 116-104, to end the elimination round with a victory on Saturday evening, May 9, 2026, at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.
The Beermen strung together three consecutive wins for a 7-5 (win-loss) record, while Phoenix fell to a 6-6 slate.
While waiting for the final playoff rankings, the Beermen expressed readiness to face whoever they meet in the next round.
"It's a good win, hopefully we can carry this into the playoffs," said Jericho Cruz.
"Coach really said the second group is important. Usually we have a slow start, and the job of the second group is to bring energy. Whatever the first group lacks, that's what we will do," added Cruz, who erupted for 20 points off the bench.
"We had a bad start, something we don't want to happen. It's good that the game picked up in the second half," recounted SMB coach Leo Austria.
As usual, import Bennie Boatwright led the Beermen with his 34 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Meanwhile, Phoenix import Johnathan Williams III produced 26 points and 13 rebounds in a losing effort.
Quarter scores: San Miguel (116) - Boatwright 34, Cruz 20, Trollano 14, Perez 12, Lassiter 9, Miller 9, Fajardo 7, Rosales 6, Brondial 3, Tautuaa 2. Phoenix (104) - Williams 26, Tuffin 18, Santos 17, Ynot 11, Tio 10, Daves 6, Nelle 6, Gozum 4, Delos Santos 2, Cullar 2, Ando 2.
