San Miguel claims edge over GSM

Greg Slaughter of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel attempts a shot against San Miguel Beer behemoth June Mar Fajardo in this battle of giants during Game Three of their Best-of-Seven Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Championship Series at the Araneta Coliseum. ROMAN PROSPERO

An airtight battle turned into a cakewalk for defending champion San Miguel Beer as it crushed Ginebra San Miguel, 132-94, last night for a 2-1 lead in their 2018 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven Finals last night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen led by as many as 40 points, 132-92, using a big third quarter avalanche from a close 53-51 halftime lead.

SMB never looked back from there and are now two wins away from a successful mid-season conference title repeat.

Chris Ross shrugged off a wound on his right brow to spearhead SMB’s well-balanced attack with 23 points on seven triples to go along seven rebounds, five assists and four steals.

Five more Beermen scored in double digits to support Ross’ outburst led by import Renaldo Balkman with 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.