#PBA2016 Philippine Cup Semifinals Roundup: January 13, 2016

The San Miguel Beermen won for the second straight time in their 2015-2016 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against Rain or Shine, 103-94. This result changed the complexion of the entire series as SMB is now just a win shy of returning to the Finals and a booking rematch of last year’s all-Filipino championship derby.

Beau Belga (L) battles league MVP June Mar Fajardo (R) for the rebound.
(image from the PBA/Inquirer.)

Game Capsules (adapted from Interaksyon): 

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS, 103-94
Box Scores. 

The San Miguel Beermen led by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter and doused any hopes of a Rain or Shine rally as they stomped their way to a 3-2 series lead after a 103-94 win in the crucial Game 5 of their SMART BRO PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.


June Mar Fajardo had 27 points on 11-for-17 shooting alongside 12 rebounds to lead a more balanced offensive attack for the Beermen, who now need just one more win to enter the finals.

Alex Cabagnot posted 14 points and a game-high 6 assists, while Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter both finished with 12 points in the game. Four other Beermen finished with 8 or more points.

Best Player of the Game: Arwind Santos @arwindsotnas 12pts, 5rebs and 3blks. 011316 @smbeermen vs @bayanngros at Smart Araneta Coliseum #2016pbaphilippinecup #pba41stseason #2016pbaphilippinecupsemis amdg

A photo posted by Philippine Basketball Asscn (@pbaconnect) on Jan 13, 2016 at 5:41am PST

JR Quinahan finished 20 points to pace Rain or Shine, while former Gilas Pilipinas sniper Jeff Chan added 15.

Lines of the Game: 
June Mar Fajardo (SMB) - 27pts, 12rebs, 3asts, 1blk, 11/17 FGs
JR Quiñahan (ROS) - 20pts, 6rebs, 2asts, 1blk, 7/10 FGs

#PBA2016: Post-game interview with Rain or Shine Head Coach Yeng Guiao https://t.co/a6iAkp5B0H pic.twitter.com/ukIFEG3PD7

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) January 13, 2016

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