SAN Miguel Beer hopes to make it two wins in a row, while Magnolia looks to bounce back and even the series in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The game is scheduled at 6:15 p.m. with experts predicting another exciting battle between the Beermen and the Hotshots.

Last Friday, San Miguel drew first blood with a 103-95 victory over Magnolia.

But the Beermen also now know that they have to play consistently for four quarters to get the job done.

Despite taking as much as 20 point advantage, the Beermen needed to stave off the Hotshots’ rally to escape with the victory.

San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent reminded his players to keep their focus for the duration of the game.

“Kailangang maging composed at yung energy namin mas taasan pa kasi ang Magnolia, hindi talaga titigil hangga’t hindi natatapos ang laro,”said Gallent.

He said he is anticipating a Magnolia fight back.

“I’m sure they’re going to come out strong and we will have to match their intensity and energy kasi as what you saw, in the last three minutes (of Game 1) they poured out their energy while we relaxed,” added Gallent.

Gallent’s top gunner, CJ Perez, agreed.

“When you play a tough team like Magnolia, you’ll have to play 48 minutes of basketball, because if you don’t, this is going to happen,” explained Perez.

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is also keeping a positive attitude

“We’re still positive. This is a series, not a do-or-die (game). Ang importante ngayon is paano kami makakabalik, “added Victolero.

“We’ll try to watch the film. We’ll try to apply adjustments, mga mali namin titignan namin. We played very good defense in the second half, and titignan namin kung ano pang puwedeng gawin doon.”

Bennie Boatwright finished with 28 points on 2-of-12 on the arc, and 16 rebounds in 45 minutes of action.

His slam dunk with 6:39 left on the clock gave the Beermen their biggest lead in the game at 94-74

Perez had 19 points and three steals, Marcio Lassiter added 16 points and five rebounds, for the Beermen, who needed a strong finish to survive the Hotshots’ furious fourth-quarter comeback..

Seven-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo recorded a double-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks while Don Trollano chipped in 10 points.

Jericho Cruz also added eight points.

Trailing 85-97 with only three minutes remaining, the Hotshots unleashed a 10-3 run to cut the deficit to five 95-100 with 1:13 left.

But the SMB maintained their lead until the final buzzer sounds.

Only two player scored double-figures for the Magnolia.

Import Tyler Bey came through with a double-double of 26 points on 10-of-24 shooting, and 15 rebounds in 39 minutes of action.

Mark Barroca added 16 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Jio Jalalon, Ian Sangalang and Aris Dionisio contributed with eight points each, and Joseph Eriobu chipped in with seven points.

The scores:

San Miguel (103) – Boatwright 28, Perez 19, Lassiter 16, Fajardo 11, Trollano 10, Cruz 8, Romeo 5, Teng 4, Ross 2, Enciso 0, Tautuaa 0, Brondial 0
Magnolia (95) – Bey 26, Barroca 16, Jalalon 8, Sangalang 8, Dionisio 8, Eriobu 7, Abueva 6, Lee 6, Tratter 5, Escoto 3, Laput 2, Mendoza 0, Dela Rosa 0, Reavis 0
Quarterscores: 20-24, 61-44, 85-72, 103-95.