San Miguel defeats Purefoods in Game 1

source: PBA.ph

Just like in the other series, the well-rested team played better, pouncing on a spent-out foe in the opener of the San Miguel Beer-Purefoods showdown.

The Beermen returned with aplomb from a 24-day layoff and ripped the Giants, 99-83, for the crucial head start in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals duel at the Araneta Coliseum Wedneday night.

"Our long break became a big advantage for us, giving our injured players time to recover. Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso rejoined us in this game and they were of big help," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen.

"However, it's just one game. We must not fall in a wrong sense of security. For sure, Purefoods will play with a lot of energy in the next game," Tanquingcen added. "Their fresh legs worked well to their advantage. They executed very well and they shot well," said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

"They have a powerhouse lineup and just everybody played well. Their reserves almost matched the production of their starters and that speaks well of their roster power," Gregorio added. Now 0-3 versus San Miguel in the tourney, the articulate Purefoods mentor said they really have to dig deep for them to be able to compete with the Beermen, an outright semifinal qualifiers.

In the series opener, the Giants -- coming from a grueling quarters duel with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters -- dragged the Beermen into a battle only in the first canto. The Beermen established control in the second period and dominated the Giants the rest of the way.

Jay Washington churned out a double-double game with 17 points and 10 rebounds with five other Beermen chipping in double-digit points as they kept their domination of the Giants whom they walloped by an average of 16.5 points in two meetings in the elims.

"San Miguel is really a tough match-up for us with their talent-laden lineup. Their last man can start for other ball clubs, and that's how formidable their lineup is," said Gregorio. "What's worse for us tonight was that most of our players were absent in the game. Only Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris carried the fight for us," Gregorio added. Raymundo paced the team with 18 points while Pingris had double-double numbers with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Having a terrible off-night was James Yap who was 0-of-8 from the field. He got his eight points all from the stripe. "James knows that he has to deliver if we're to get a chance in this series," said Gregorio.

Hitting good rhythm in the second period, the Beermen took a 56-43 cushion at halftime. Purefoods rode high on the exploits of Pingris early on as the Giants fought the Beermen toe to toe in the first period of play. Pingris produced 10 points and four rebounds in the first 12 minutes of play. However, Arwind Santos and Seigle came to the fore for San Miguel in the second period, fueling their breakaway. (SB)

The scores:

San Miguel 99 - Washington 17, Hontiveros 17, Santos 16, Miranda 15, Seigle 10, Ildefonso 10, Pennisi 8, Villanueva 4, Cortez 2, Custodio 0, Racela 0, Pena 0.

Purefoods 83 - Raymundo 18, Pingris 17, Yap R. 10, Allado 9, Yap J. 8, Maierhofer 5, Reavis 5, Artadi 4, Simon 4, Canaleta 3.

Quarterscores: 25-23, 56-43, 73-62, 99-83