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 San Miguel Beer bounced back from a mediocre game in the series opener with a 112-103 win over Talk 'N Text in Game 2 to level their best-of-7 series to 1-all in the 2008-09 KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
After groping for form last Wednesday, the Beermen displayed their own offensive might in downing the talented Tropang Texters, who burned them in Game 1 with 23 three-pointers en route to a 129-100 demolition.
Dondon Hontiveros and Danny Seigle each had 23 points for San Miguel while five more Beermen scored at least eight points that proved to be enough to silence Talk 'N Text, which still hit 10 three-pointers in the game.
"We really came out flat the last time. Parang may hangover pa sa quarterfinal series against Ginebra," said SMB head coach Siot Tanquingcen. "Tonight, we were more aggressive compared to the last game and we dictated the tempo early."
Rookie Bonbon Custodio chipped in 16 points in 18 minutes off the bench for the Beermen while Anthony Washington and Marc Pingris contributed 14 and 11 markers respectively. Olsen Racela came back from a one-game suspension and netted 9 points and 6 assists.
The game was still tight in the first 24 minutes with San Miguel clinging to a 59-54 advantage before the Beermen broke the game wide open in the third period, outscoring Tropang Texters, 25-17, to take an 84-71 cushion entering the final period.
Talk 'N Text had a couple of mini-runs in the final canto but San Miguel came away with crucial baskets to put the game out of reach.
Holding an 88-74 lead, Tropang Texters reeled off six straight points to slice the double-digit advantage to 80-88 but Custodio responded with five straight points against Harvey Carey's undergoal stab to push the lead back to 93-82.
Jason Castro scored on a lay-up then Jimmy Alapag drilled his fourth three-pointer to threaten for the last time at 87-93, 5:46 remaining. But that proved to be the last hurrah for TNT as Racela hit an off-balance baseline drive that sparked a 9-0 blast to take the game for good, 102-87, 3:06 left.
Ranidel de Ocampo led Tropang Texters with 19 points and 10 rebounds while Alapag chipped in 17 markers. Mark Cardona, who had 21 in Game 1, was held to just eight points on a quite 2-of-8 shooting in just 20 minutes of play.
Harvey had 13 points and 14 boards for TNT. Ali Peek also had a double-double performance for coach Chot Reyes with 10 and 11.
Despite the easy win, Tanquingcen said that he still expects a tough series against TNT.
"Talk N Text remains a very tough team and you can never say what's going to happen in the next game. Katulad ngayon, nag-struggle na sila dikit pa rin," he said. "We must remain mentally focused and have the same energy."
Alaska beats Sta. Lucia
In the second game, Alaska turned back Sta. Lucia Realty, 94-87, in Game 2 to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their own best-of-seven semifinal series.
Joe Devance and Willie Miller each had 17 points for the Aces, who trailed by nine after the first period and five going into the break before making strides in the second half to secure the come-from-behind win.
Skipper Jeffrey Cariaso added 15 markers while LA Tenorio also contributed big to the victory with 14.
It was a sorry loss for the defending champion Realtors, who were in control of the game midway in the third period but Alaska's defense denied them of leveling the series.
Dennis Espino and Joseph Yeo scored 20 and 19 points respectively for Sta. Lucia while reigning MVP Kelly Williams contributed 15. |
