IMPORT Bennie Boatwright erupted for 38 points as San Miguel Beer brought down defending champion Barangay Ginebra, 106-96, to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Boatwright went 13-of-25 from the floor and grabbed nine rebounds in 42 minutes of action for the Beermen, who unleashed a game-changing 17-9 run to win pulling away after nursing a slim 91-87 lead with 4:12 remaining.

Seven-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo added 17 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks for the coach Jorge Gallent-mentored Beermen, who took the series opener, 92-90, last Wednesday.

CJ Perez had 17 points and seven rebounds and Marcio Lassiter contributed with 16 points in the Beermen’s victory.

Jamie Malonzo and Tony Bishop spearheaded the Gin Kings’ offensive efforts despite the loss, contributing 27 and 25 points, respectively.

Malonzo showcased a 9-of-15 shooting performance along with eight rebounds, while Bishop recorded 9-of-20 shooting and nine rebounds in 42 minutes of action.

Maverick Ahanmisi also made a notable contribution with 13 points for coach Tim Cone.

Scottie Thompson and Christian Standhardinger each chipped in with nine points.

The scores:

San Miguel (106) – Boatwright 38, Perez 17, Fajardo 17, Lassiter 16, Teng 7, Trollano 5, Cruz 4, Tautuaa 2, Brondial 0, Ross 0, Enciso 0.
Ginebra (96)– Malonzo 27, Bishop 25, Ahanmisi 13, Thompson 9, Standhardinger 9, Pringle 6, Pinto 5, J.Aguilar 2, Tenorio 0.
Quarterscores: 23-21, 43-46, 76-74, 106-96.

Games Sunday:

(Mall of Asia Arena)
3 p.m. — Phoenix vs. Magnolia
6:30 p.m. — Ginebra vs. San Miguel

The results:

Game 1 — San Miguel def. Ginebra, 92-90.
Game 2 — San Miguel def. Ginebra, 106-96.
(San Miguel leads series, 2-0).