SAN MIGUEL LIVES TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY

Pingris shines as Beermen halt TNT
Friday, 23 January 2009
Wildcard survivor San Miguel Beer hasn't stopped to amaze, going 4-0 in knockout games in the all-Filipino tourney.

The Beermen again lived to fight another game, stalling the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters' own finals bid with a stirring 125-115 win in Game Five of their KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal showdown at the Astrodome Friday night.

Marc Pingris and Jay Washington both came through with a double-double game with five other Beermen putting in at least 10 points as they survived a fourth do-or-die setto dating back to the wildcard round.

"There's nothing miraculous there. We're just trying our best. We have no other choice," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

The San Miguel mentor bared though that he had resorted to reading a Bible passage to his team as they're back on the brink of elimination.

"It somehow typifies our campaign. It says 'we have to rejoice in our sufferings as our sufferings produce perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope,'" said Tanquingcen.

And with the win, the Beermen remain hopeful they can survive the ordeal. They try to force a sudden death in Game Six set in the same venue Sunday.

San Miguel ducked Talk 'N Text's knockout attempt, beating the Texters in their own game -- up-tempo.

Pingris and Washington imposed their strength at the paint, getting the rebounds that fueled the Beermen's running game producing 25 fastbreak points as against the Texters' mere six.

Playing with tremendous will and determination, the Beermen seized control early and dominated the Texters, leading by as many as 19 points twice late in the third period.

The game became a little rugged towards the end with the Texters looking to rally. Yancy de Ocampo was ejected from the game in the last two minutes on a flagrant foul penalty 2 infraction on Danny Seigle.

Pingris led the Beermen with a career-high 28 points and 12 rebounds with Washington coming through with 19 points and 10 rebounds, his 13th double-double in the conference, the most among all players.


The Beermen widely distributed production with Lordy Tugade and Seigle firing 14 apiece, Dondon Hontiveros adding 12, Bonbon Custodio chipping in 11 and Jonas Villanueva contributing 10.

Mark Cardona paced the Texters with 19 though he sat out a few minutes in the fourth after hurting his left leg in a collision with Hontiveros.

Pingris and Washington threw their weight around early, allowing the Beermen to dominate the first half ending at 66-51 in their favor.

Pingris was 6-of-8 from the field while Washington converted six of nine field-goal shots as they combined for 31 points that went with eight rebounds and two steals in the first 24 minutes of play.

The whole San Miguel team shot much better in the first half, hitting at a 54.4 percent clip as against Talk n Text's 38.8 percent marksmanship. (NC)

The scores:

San Miguel 125 - Pingris 28, Washington 19, Tugade 14, Seigle 14, Hontiveros 12, Custodio 11, Villanueva 10, Racela 9, Gonzales 5, Pennisi 3.

Talk N' Text 115 - Cardona 19, Dillinger 18, De Ocampo R. 17, ritualo 13, De Ocampo Y. 11, Castro 10, Carey 10, Peek 9, Alapag 8, Reyes 0, Lao 0.

Quarterscores: 30-25, 66-51, 93-74, 125-115

SAN MIGUEL MAKES IT TO SEMIS

SAN MIGUEL MAKES IT TO SEMIS

Hontiveros stars in big comeback
Sunday, 11 January 2009
San Miguel Beer waged a searing chase from the depth of 21-point deficits in the third quarter and upended Barangay Ginebra, 98-93, sustaining its journey from the wildcard round to reach the KFC PBA Philippine Cup Final Four at the Cuneta Astrodome Sunday.

Dondon Hontiveros fashioned out a second straight 30-point showing, becoming the biggest factor as the Beermen stunned the Kings in their knockout setto to gain the right to challenge the Talk n Text tropang Texters in the best-of-seven semifinal round.

It will be Sta. Lucia Realty versus Alaska Milk at 5 p.m. then San Miguel against Talk n Text at 7:30 p.m. in the semis opener Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

"I want to continue playing. There was the opportunity to be of help to the team and I just grabbed it," said Hontiveros, stepping up as the Beermen bucked Olsen Racela's early exit on a flagrant infraction and overcame tremendous adversities.

The Beermen gained entry into PBA Final Four all the way from the wildcard round for the third time in franchise history. They pulled off the same trick in the 2004-05 Philippine Cup and the 2007 Fiesta Conference.

"We came from the dead. I thank the players for keeping the faith although we fell behind by as many as 21," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen, shedding tears of joy.

"I also want to give credit to Ginebra for really pushing us. Despite a depleted lineup, they almost won the series. Breaks went our way in the end," Tanquingcen added.

The Kings pushed the Beermen to the limit only to fall short of their bid, thus, settling for fifth place in the all-Filipino tourney.

Hontiveros was the man of the hour for the Beermen, scattering 34 points, including 27 in the final half to fuel San Miguel's mighty comeback from 21 points down at 41-62 and 43-64.

Bonbon Custodio, Lordy Tugade and Danny Seigle had significant contribution, helping the Beermen stay in further contention after having survived three knockout games in the tourney thus far.

Going to naught was Jayjay Helterbrand's sterling all-round game spiked by 30 points, seven rebounds and the same number of assists.

Curiously, Helterbrand went wild right upon Racela's exit, pouring in 20 points in the first half with four triples, three two-pointers and two charities.

Alas, Helterbrand was held down to 10 in the second half.

"Pinakuha ka na agad sa depensa ni coach pag-tawid para ipasa na niya ang bola," said Hontiveros on their defensive adjustment.

From a two-point standoff, the Kings raced to a 15-7 lead and led by as many as 15, 36-21, before closing the opening half at 49-36.

The Kings did better than the Beermen practically on all fronts in the first 24 minutes of play and stepped up their game even more at the start of second half to enjoy the 21-point cushions.

Hontiveros, however, fueled the San Miguel fightback towards the end of the third, getting the Beermen back in the fight at 67-70 going into the payoff period.

The Beermen poured on the heat in the payoff period with Hontiveros scoring 14 and Custodio, Tugade and Seigle combining for the same output. (NC)

The scores:


San Miguel 98 -- Hontiveros 34, Custodio 13, Tugade 11, Seigle 9, Washington 8, Villanueva 7, Pennisi 5, Pena 4, Pingris 3, Baguion 2, racela 2, Gonzales 0.

Ginebra 93 -- Helterbrand 30, Salvacion 17, Menk 9, Mamaril 8, Tubid 7, Pacana 6, Artadi 6, Wilson 6, Valenzuela 4, Escalona 0, Cabatu 0.

Quarterscores: 14-22, 36-49, 67-70, 98-93

SMB SUBDUES AIR21, BOOKS QF SEAT

SMB SUBDUES AIR21, BOOKS QF SEAT
Beermen to face Kings in best-of-3 series
Sunday, 04 January 2009
San Miguel Beer survived its wildcard journey and, with the relief, is starting from scratch versus Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinal round.
The Beermen outclassed the Air21 Express practically on all fronts, pulling off a 105-86 rout to gain entry into the KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.
Picking up from where they left off in their game against the Coca-Cola Tigers last Dec. 28, the Beermen made it 3-0 over the Express in their head-on duels in the conference.
It's Sta. Lucia versus Rain or Shine at 5 p.m. and San Miguel against Ginebra at 7:30 p.m. at the start of the best-of-three quarterfinals showdowns Wednesday in the same venue.
"Great players make great plays. Yung mga players ko ang nagpadali ng panalo namin," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen on their conquest of the Express.
Air21 became the fourth team booted out in the all-Filipino tourney after Red Bull, Purefoods and Coca-Cola. The Express are coming back in the Fiesta Conference playing under the Burger King banner.
Lordy Tugade, Dondon Hontiveros, Bonbon Custodio, Danny Seigle and Dorian Pena all scored in double figures as the Beermen eased out the Express with a torrid shooting.
"I know we're not expected to be here (wildcard round). But there's reason for everything and I think God has reason in bringing us here. Going into the quarters, we'll be a better team after going through the wildcard. We'll be more confident," said Tanquingcen.
"Ginebra's a tough team whether Mark (Caguioa) is there or not. But I'm not taking anything away from my team. We're coming out and making the best we can," Tanquingcen added.
Tugade and Hontiveros rifled in 18 points each, Custodio and Seigle fired 16 apiece while Pena added 12 as the Beermen easily negated Gary David's 31-point explosion.
Arwind Santos and Don Allado were the two other Express who put in double-digit outputs with the former making 20 and the latter 12.
With an impeccable game, the Beermen established control in the second quarter and kept the Express at bay the rest of the way.
Seigle had been hot, having made 10 points when hit by Santos' wayward elbow opening a one-inch wide cut on his right cheekbone midway through the second period.
The two teams figured in a highly physical contest from the onset with Wynne Arboleda being called an offensive infraction for swinging the ball hard on defender
Tugade late in the first half.Tugade took over from Seigle in the second period, knocking in a triple, a twinner and three charities to help the Beermen get a 48-41 spread at the half.
Custodio, Pena, Hontiveros and Olsen Racela also had significant numbers as the Beermen seized control after engaging the Express in two deadlocks and eight lead changes.
David made 17 points, three rebounds and two assists in the first 24 minutes of play for the Express. (NC)
The scores:San Miguel 105 - Tugade 18, Hontiveros 18, Custodio 16, Seigle 16, Pena 12, Washington 9, Racela 5, Pingris 4, Pennisi 4, Calaguio 3, Baguion 0.
Air21 86 - David 31, Santos 20, Allado 12, Arboleda 7, Baguio 5, Quinahan 4, Cruz 3, Kramer 2, Billones 2, Intal 0, Canaleta 0, Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 25-23, 48-41, 75-64, 105-86

*EDWARD ANTHONY MASEN CULLEN*

Edward Cullen...
A character of the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

Full name: Edward Anthony Masen Cullen
Date of birth: June 20, 1901
Date of change into a vampire: 1918
Source of change: Carlisle Cullen
Originally from: Chicago, IL
Spouse: Isabella Marie Swan
Hair color: Bronze
Eye color: Originally green, now vampire gold/black
Height: 6'2"
Physical description: Lanky, not bulky, boyish looking with untidy hair
Special talents: Mind-reading
Hobbies: Collects cars and plays piano
Cars he drives: Silver Volvo S60R and a silver Aston Martin V12

BEERMEN BACK IN SHARE OF LEAD

BEERMEN BACK IN SHARE OF LEAD
Pennisi, Custodio star in fourth quarter as SMB tames Coke Tigers
Wednesday, 12 November 2008

Mick Pennisi went 5-of-8 from behind the arc including the go ahead triple with 6:41 remaining to help the San Miguel Beermen pull off an 88-84 victory over the Coca-Cola Tigers Wednesday night in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.A game they never thought would be this close nearly spoiled the Beermen's goal thanks to Jonas Villanueva, who defended well enough to keep Coca-Cola guard Alex Cabagnot off-balance when he took the potential game-tying three as the buzzer sounded.

It was the third consecutive victory and six in the last seven games for the Beermen, who wound up the first half of the eliminations with 7-2 (win-loss) record that kept them abreast with the Alaska Aces atop the team standings.
"We didn't expect (the game) to be this close but we also didn't take them for granted," said SMB head coach Siot Tanquingcen during the post-game interview.
Coming off a six-day break appeared to have turned the Bermen rusty.
They struggled with their offense and they didn't seem to know each other, committing one error after the other on a certain stretch in each of the four quarters.
San Miguel displayed their ugly game in the middle quarters where it committed 13 of its total 23 turnovers and enabling Coca-Cola to build an 11-point advantage in the second and third periods.
But the Beermen showed why they are considered one of the teams to beat in this tournament with Pennisi and Dondon Hontiveros – both coming off the bench – knocking in shots when they needed them the most.
Pennisi, who came off the bench, led all scorers with 18 points, his highest output in a San Miguel uniform while Dondon Hontiveros, who also didn't start, added 13 on a 4-of-9 shooting for his ninth straight game in double figures this conference.
The Beermen, who last won the all-Filipino title in 2001, trailed by a point at the end of third but rookie Bonbon Custodio and Pennisi completed a 7-0 run to open the fourth and pull SMB ahead, 70-66.
A 3-pointer by Cesar Catli and a split free throw by Nic Belasco tied the count at 70-all with 7:02 remaining before Pennisi knocked in the go ahead trey.
"We’re not really playing smart on both ends of the floor but at least we're finding ways to win," Tanquingcen said.
It was a game in which both teams shot poorly. SMB made just 37 percent of their shots (28-of-75) while Coca-Cola posted a 34% clip (29-of-83).
SMB held an 82-74 lead with 3:32 to play and appeared to have the game in control but the Tigers refused to go away.
With Cabagnot hitting the crucial shots, Coke scored 10 of the next 14 points to threaten at 84-86 with 17 seconds left.
But Jay Washington, who struggled with his shooting all night, nailed two free throws with 16 second to go to seal the win. Washington, who went 2-of-10 from the field, finished with seven points and scored his first basket with 4:48 to play.
Cabagnot and Mark Telan tallied 14 points apiece to the show the way for the Tigers, who closed their first elimination round with a 3-6 mark.(DBC)
The scores:
San Miguel Beer 89 – Pennisi 18, Hontiveros 13, Gonzales 12, Tugade 12, Pingris 11, Washington 7, Custodio 6, Villanueva 4, Bono 2, Racela 2, Pena 2, Eman 0.
Coca-Cola 86 – Cabagnot 14, Telan 14, Belasco 12, Catli 11, Calimag 10, Macapagal 8, Dimaunahan 5, Taulava 5, Enrile 4, Misolas 3, Rizada 0.Quarterscores: 16-21, 36-40, 63-64, 89-86.

TUGADE SHINES IN 2 OVERTIME PERIODS AS SMB OUTLASTS AIR21

TUGADE SHINES IN 2 OVERTIME PERIODS AS SMB OUTLASTS AIR21
Beermen squander 19-point lead but still win exciting contest to reclaim solo lead
Wednesday, 05 November 2008
Lordy Tugade made four free throws in the second overtime as the San Miguel Beermen subdued the Air Express, 130-129, at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night after nearly losing control of the game in the fourth quarter.
Dondon Hontiveros scatterd 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting, Dorian Pena had 22 and 11 rebounds and Jay Washington added 19 and 13 boards for the Beermen who won five of their last six games and improved to a 6-2 (win-loss) record that propelled them back to the solo lead in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup eliminations.

"I'm glad the players managed to hung in there, but we need to learn from our mistakes. We can't take (our mistakes) for granted," said SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen, adding he had mixed emotions on the outcome of the game.

The game appeared to be lopsided by the time SMB erected a 19-point lead with 9:14 left in the regulation but the Beermen melted down offensively, allowing Air 21 to get back in the game and make it an exciting finish.

Their second straight loss and fifth overall in nine games was a bitter pill to swallow for the Express, no thanks to a controversy near the end of the first overtime period.

Ranidel de Ocampo's long heave that sent the game into a second extension appeared to have been a 3-point shot based on television replays. But league rules prevent game officials from rectifying an oversight in the last two minutes of the extra session unless the team concerned challenges it.

A jumper by Wynne Arboleda gave the Air 21 a 127-126 with 2:37 left in the second extra session before Tugade, who tallied with 15 points – 10 in the two extra periods -- including a 5-of-6 shooting from the line, sealed the game.

Bonbon Custodio, selected by SMB with the No. 8 pick in this year’s Draft, improved his career-high production to 17 points, coming up with eight in the second quarter to spark a 21-9 run as the Beermen broke the game wide open, 47-30.

Gary David led all scorers with a second career-best 36 points but fouled out with 35 seconds left in regulation.

Significantly his production went down as the second highest by any player this conference since Purefoods Kerby Raymundo's 37 points in his team's 108-105 victory against Air 21 last Friday. David's 30-point output in the second half was also the most by a local since Asi Taulava tallied 33 while leading Talk ‘N Text to a 131-105 win over Purefoods on May 16, 2004.

Wynne Arboleda scored 23 points and Arwind Santos added 15 markers and 16 boards for the Express.

Air 21 got off to a strong start and led 11-3 before SMB picked up the pace and closed the opening quarter at 26-21. (DBC)
The scores:
San Miguel Beer 130 - Hontiveros 25, Pena 22, Washington 19, Custodio 17, Tugade 15, Racela 15, Gonzales 8, Bono 7, Villanueva 2, Pingris 0, Pennisi 0.
Air21 129 - David 36, Arboleda 23, Santos 15, Se 15, Quinahan 12, Intal 7, Canaleta 7, Cruz 6, De Ocampo 5, Kramer 3, Sta. Maria 0, Billones 0.
Quarterscores: 26-21, 53-38, 84-71, 110-110, 130-129.

MAGNOLIA PULLS EVEN ON McCASKILL’S HEROICS

MAGNOLIA PULLS EVEN ON McCASKILL’S HEROICS

Beverage Masters’ import finally win one over Thomas

Sunday, 27 July 2008

Amal McCaskill finally pulled one over Steven Thomas as Magnolia drew even with Air21 after four games of their 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven semifinal showdown at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday. McCaskill pumped in a turnaround jumper off Thomas himself in the closing seconds as the Beverage Masters eked out a 104-102 win that reduced their battle to a best-of-three affair. Magnolia beat Air21 for the first time in the tourney with Thomas in harness. For McCaskill, it was his first over Thomas in four matches. Thomas had his big baskets at endgame but McCaskill had the final laugh after making the game-winning basket with time down to 1.4 seconds. With no more timeout left, the Express could no longer map out a decent play, eventually yielding the game with Arwind Santos making an errant throw-in. "It was anybody's ball game and it so happened that we made the last big shot," said Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen. "Dikit lagi ang laban namin from the elimination round and I don't see it getting easier the rest of this series," Tanquingcen added. "Malaking bagay sa morale namin na nakatabla kami." Gary David sizzled with 32 points but fouled out on two successive offensive infractions entering the homestretch. Santos and Thomas picked up the cudgels on the ouster of David but the Beverage Masters stood their ground, getting clutch shots from Lordy Tugade and McCaskill. Thomas scored all of Air21's last five points, including a short stab off McCaskill, tying the count at 102 with 14.4 seconds to go. McCaskill, however, saved the day for Magnolia, and the Beverage Masters avoided falling into a 1-3 hole in the series. The two teams figured in another tight contest marred by a near brawl between the two teams while heading to the lockers at the halftime break. The Beverage Masters came back strong from the halftime huddle, engaging the Express in seven deadlocks and three lead changes after trailing by eight at the turn. David and Nino Canaleta failed to finish the game both on account of fouls while Wynne Arboleda sat out the last three minutes of the contest due to leg cramps. Though worse in overall field-goal shooting, the Express took the half at 57-49 as they hit five triples to none for the Beverage Masters. Gary David went 2-of-2 from beyond the arc in the first half and himself fueled the Express' decisive charge from a 26-all standoff at the start of the second period. Air21 outscored Magnolia, 12-8, on second-chance points and, 9-4, on points off turnovers in the first 24 minutes of play. (NC) The scores: Magnolia 104 -- McCaskill 19, Tugade 19, Ildefonso 19, Pingris 10, Pena 10, Racela 7, Seigle 7, Hontiveros 6, Calaguio 3, Villanueva 2, Cortez 2. Air21 102 -- David 32, Thomas 20, Santos 15, Arboleda 10, De Ocampo 8, Se 6, Kramer 4, Canaleta 3, Cruz 2, Billones 2, Intal 0, Sotto 0. Quarterscores: 26-26, 49-57, 78-80, 104-102.