Boatwright Shines in Return, Guides Beermen Past Road Warriors

Bennie Boatwright made an explosive return to the San Miguel Beer lineup, leading the team to a thrilling 98-94 victory over NLEX in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner's Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center.

Back in the Beermen's colors, Boatwright scored 41 points, including 25 in the first half, and took charge in the final moments to help snap San Miguel’s two-game losing streak while also ending NLEX's four-game win streak.

The Road Warriors had control for much of the game, at one point building a 15-point lead and regaining a 94-92 advantage late in the fourth after a clutch three-pointer from Cady Lalanne. But Boatwright stepped up when it mattered most.

The 6-foot-10 import calmly sank two free throws and then delivered a thunderous dunk with 32.1 seconds left, giving San Miguel a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The Beermen held firm defensively, forcing crucial stops, and CJ Perez sealed the win with an easy layup with 9.3 seconds remaining.

NLEX had one last chance to tie, but Robert Bolick’s four-point attempt missed, and Boatwright grabbed the rebound to complete the comeback.

“Boatwright really made a big difference. He had a huge impact on the team,” said head coach Leo Austria, who mentioned that Boatwright had been battling an illness and missed practice before his debut.

Marcio Lassiter provided crucial support early on, contributing 16 points with efficient shooting from beyond the arc, while Perez added 13 points and nine rebounds in a milestone game, also joining the 5,000-point club. Jericho Cruz chipped in with 11 points and nine rebounds, contributing energy on both ends of the floor.

Despite playing through a cold, June Mar Fajardo finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Don Trollano was absent due to a back injury, leaving the local players to step up.

San Miguel now holds a 4-4 record, while NLEX drops to 6-2 despite a standout performance from Lalanne, who tallied 35 points on 14-of-20 shooting and 12 rebounds. Deschon Winston added 20 points in the losing effort.

The Road Warriors started strong, racing to a 23-14 lead and stretching it to 35-20. However, the Beermen gradually chipped away, eventually taking control in the third quarter and setting up the thrilling finale.

Unlike their previous game against Meralco, where NLEX secured a dramatic win, the Road Warriors couldn’t close out this one as Boatwright’s heroics swung the game in San Miguel’s favor.

In his victorious return, Boatwright also finished with 11 rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

“It feels good to be back home,” said Boatwright, a former USC standout. “I’m just excited to be playing with the guys, and it feels like I never left.”