San Miguel Beer kept their quest for back-to-back PBA Fiesta Conference championships alive and in the process ended the B-MEG Derby Ace’s hopes for a season double crown as the Beermen clobbered the Llamados, 91-83, in a do-or-die match at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.
The story courtesy of the PBA website. (Ronnie Nathanielsz)
Raising their game notches higher after a sorry loss Friday, the Beermen put to an end the Llamados’ season, winning their best-of-seven semifinals showdown at 4-2.
The Beermen are heading to the finals either against the Alaska Milk Aces or the Talk n Text Tropang Texers.
It’s the 31st finals for the league’s winningest team.
“It feels so good we’re once again blessed with a finals stint,” said SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen.
“But for sure, the finals won’t be easy. It would be tough against either Alaska or Talk n Text. The only advantage that we have is that we can sit back, relax and analyze them in their do-or-die game,” Tanquingcen added.
The youthful San Miguel mentor has had a perfect record in three previous finals.
Alaska and Talk n Text meet in a sudden death in their own semis showdown at 7 p.m. Wednesday also at the Big Dome.
“Wala akong pipiliin dyan. Parehong mabigat iyan,” said Tanquingcen.
One heavyweight is gone in Derby Ace.
Gabe Freeman and Jay Washington both churned out double-double numbers to lead the Beermen past the team which eliminated them in the semifinals of the last Philippine Cup.
Freeman got 26 points and 22 rebounds, Washington came through with 18 markers and 13 board while Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot wound up with combined outputs of 26 points and 10 caroms.
Tony Washam led the Llamados with 30 points and 12 rebounds in a losing cause.
SMB established control early and relished seeing Derby Ace self-destruct in its endgame chase.
“Basically, it’s about effort. Kinulang talaga sa effort in the last game. Bumawi ang team ngayon,” said Tanquingcen.
The SMB mentor made special mention of Washington for making several clutch plays.
“Jay Washington was huge tonight. Actually, first quarter pa lang pumukpok na,” said Tanquingcen.
Washington tossed in eight points in the opening quarter, helping the team to a good start, an effort the Beermen were able to sustain to the finish. (SB)
The scores:
San Miguel 91 – Freeman 26, Washington 18, Santos 14, Cabagnot 12, Yeo 8, Hontiveros 5, Ildefonso 5, Villanueva 3, Pena 0.
B-Meg Derby Ace 83 – Washam 30, Yap. R. 15, Yap J. 14, Simon 6, Artadi 5, Pingris 5, Reavis 4, Maierhofer 2, Allado 2, Canaleta 0, Adducul 0.
Quarters: 25-16, 51-42, 71-58, 91-83
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