Beermen trip Fuel Masters
San Miguel Beer fought back from an early 19-point deficit then waged its own breakaway when its gunners found their range in the third period, subduing Phoenix Petroleum, 121-109, to cling to second place in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Tyler Wilkerson exploded for 40 points that went with 19 rebounds although it was the triumvirate of Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter that keyed their decisive third-quarter romp on the way to the crucial victory that enhanced their bid for a twice-tobeat incentive in the quarterfinals.
“They gave us a scare in the first half. Good thing, our four cylinders went to work in the second half,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.
“But we still have a big game to play against Tropang TNT. We know it’s a big game that’s why we’ve been preparing for them since last week,” Austria also said.
At 7-3, the Beermen automatically claim a Top Two windup and the coveted incentive in the quarters if they beat the Texters (6-4) in the final game of the elims on Friday, also at the Big Dome.
The Fuel Masters failed to recover from their third-quarter slide and went down with a closing 3-8 win-loss record in their maiden conference in the pros.
Phoenix got off to a strong 25-6 start but slowed down in the second period and settled for a 55-54 edge at halftime of the match featuring the debut of Gary David as a Beerman.
At 115-102 with less than two minutes left to play, David was fielded in. In his very first touch of the ball, David connected with a short jumper for his first basket with his new team.
Earlier, Rain or Shine sealed a Top Six finish on a 118-107 whipping of Blackwater with the help of new import Pierre Henderson-Niles.
The new ROS reinforcement and five local players scored in double figures as the Elasto Painters outplayed the Elite almost all throughout on the way to a closing 7-4 slate.
Rain or Shine preserved a clean record versus Blackwater, sending the Elite to a 3-8 finish in the midseason tourney.
“I don’t know the scenarios. It’s still messy. But we don’t have to worry anything as we’ve assured ourselves of a spot in the Top Six. We just have to wait for our matchup (in the best-of-three quarterfinals),” said ROS coach Yeng Guiao.