Romeo provides Christmas Day fireworks as SMB downs Phoenix to clinch quarters seat

Terrence Romeo lit the Christmas Day fireworks inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The flamboyant point guard presided over a huge fourth quarter explosion for San Miguel to take down Phoenix, 117-96, to book a spot to the quarterfinals in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Monday, Dec. 25.

Romeo fired 15 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter when the Beermen unloaded 34 points against the Fuel Masters only 19 to tear a once tight ball game apart and pick up the team’s third-straight win.

SMB improved to a 6-3 record good for a spot inside the Top 4 which dangles a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals

Romeo not only scored in the final frame but also found his open teammates to finish with eight assists while orchestrating the back-breaking 18-3 run that turned a close 96-90 lead into a massive 117-93 advantage heading into the final minutes.

New SMV import Bennie Boatwright made a good account of himself in his first PBA game, finishing with a double-double of 26 points and 16 rebounds while Romeo’s backcourt running mate CJ Perez chipped in all-around numbers of 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Jericho Cruz added 15 points while Don Trollano chipped in 12.

Even with the loss though, Phoenix looked formidable in the first three quarters as expected from a team which was riding the momentum from a six-game win streak heading into the contest.

Although not being able to create some sizable margin, the Fuel Masters kept the Beermen on the rear, leading by as many as nine points in the first half. SMB momentarily took the lead in the third frame but Phoenix regained control with an RJ Jazul draining a half court heave right at the third quarter buzzer, 80-79.

SMB, however, unloaded an 8-0 spurt to open the final frame and take the lead which the team never relinquished until the final horn.

Johnathan Williams finished with 37 points and 16 rebounds but was limited to just five during the SMB fourth quarter breakaway. Jazul added 14 while Sean Manganti had 11 as the Fuel Masters remained steady at the second with a 7-2 record.