The San Miguel Beermen survived a late-rally of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, and emerged victorious, 108-98, in Game Five of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals.
Jericho Cruz scored 30 points, added Bennie Boatwright Jr. added 21 points to lead the Beermen.
Junemar Fajardo also tallied 18 points and 15 rebounds for San Miguel to regain the lead in the best-of-seven series on Sunday, February 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
The Beermen lost a 14-point lead in the final quarter after charities by Tyler Bey allowed the Hotshots to close the gap, 99-96.
With less than a minute remaining in the game, a three-point basket by Cruz provided San Miguel with a six-point cushion but Bey sunk another pair of free throws to keep Magnolia at striking distance, 102-98.
The game came to an end after back-to-back steals and baskets by CJ Perez and Chris Ross extinguished the chances of the Hotshots to change the course of the game.
Bey finished with 34 points, while Jio Jalalon and Ian Sangalan combined for 32 points as they fueled the late rally of Magnolia.
The Beermen will have a chance to end the series and bring home the championship when they face the Hotshots once again on Game Six on Wednesday, February 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
