MANILA — The three-time defending champion San Miguel Beer eliminated the Barangay Ginebra Kings with a 100-94 victory in Game 5 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Cuneta Astrodome Saturday night, winning the best-of-7 series at 4-1.

The Beermen thus clinched a finals berth and will now have the luxury of rest as they await the winner of the semifinal series between Magnolia and NLEX. That series is currently tied at 2-2.

June Mar Fajardo once again led SMB, finishing with 25 points on 11-of-18 shooting on top of nine rebounds, three assists, and one block. Marcio Lassiter added 23 points, eight rebounds, and one assist in 41 minutes.

Matt Ganuelas-Rosser scored 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, eight rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Alex Cabagnot had 12 points, including four straight points in the endgame, the first two of which shattered the game’s final deadlock at 94-all, while the next two gave SMB a four-point lead at 98-94. Lassiter then sealed the victory with two free throws.

Arwind Santos chipped in 11 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and three blocks.

Japeth Aguilar exploded for 32 points, along with four rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal that did not matter in the end. Sol Mercado finished with 14 points while Scottie Thompson had a triple double 10 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists, along with two steals.

Game Sunday: Magnolia Hotshots vs. NLEX Road Warriors (Game 5 of best-of-7 semifinals; Series tied at 2-2).