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Photo Credit: PBA.PH

April 11, 2010 – No import – no problem! The San Miguel Beermen pulled another All-Filipino trick against the Alaska Aces as they beat them in overtime 95-89 despite the absence of Gabe Freeman in the extension period behind the heroics of two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso. Alex Cabagnot also showed brilliance in the regulation.

It was a pulsating ballgame with Gabe Freeman’s last foul almost handing the Aces the win. Fortunately for the Beermen, Willie Miller missed his first free throw attempt after Jay Washington urged the fans to distract him.

The overtime showed that the locals can get the job done without Freeman as Arwind Santos took some of the offensive charge. Most notable in the extension period is veteran Danny Ildefonso who almost did everything just to win – making crucial shots, dishing an assist to the slashing Jay Washington, and making important defensive stops. He finish the game with 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.

The Alaska Aces also shoot itself in the feet with crucial turnovers and poor playmaking down the stretch.

In the regulation, it was Alex Cabagnot who should brilliance on the offensive and defensive end. Check this out – he blocked Diamon Simpon on the blindside who attempted to shoot a three. He contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 0 turnover. What a game for our newbie!

The Beermen are still not in their championship-caliber form but they are slowly going there with the locals continuing to improve. Gabe Freeman is still the energy bunny but more importantly, someone should teach him how to manage his enthusiasm to avoid getting excessive fouls.

Denok Miranda is also improving on his shooting and his decision-making as well as a point guard. Tonight, he only made 1 poor decision on a transition wherein he decided to drive instead of passing. He was eventually blocked by the Aces import.

Full news story from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA.PH) below.

SMB DOWNS HARDLUCK ACES IN OVERTIME

Sun, 04/11/2010 – 22:26
San Miguel Beer stayed on a roll despite the early exit on fouls by Gabe Freeman against Alaska Milk in the historic first-ever visit by the Philippine Basketball Association at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Sunday.

With Freeman already out on fouls, the Beermen banked on crucial stops and clutch offensive plays by Danny Ildefonso and Arwind Santos in overtime as they upended the Aces, 95-89, for a fourth win in five starts in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.

The Aces bungled a chance to win in regulation period and failed to avoid total collapse in the extension play as they suffered a second loss in as many games in the reinforced tourney.

“The guys showed great character out there tonight and it’s a good sign for us,” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen. “Danny I (Ildefonso) showed his veteran leadership, yung kung paano maglaro pag endgame. Malaking bagay din ang contribution ni Arwind (Santos),” Tanquingcen added, lauding his two players who rose to the occasion at crunch time.

Alex Cabagnot had a superb all-around game with 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists but Ildefonso and Santos took over in overtime. Ildefonso made four points and a key assist while Santos got two blocks and four points as they personally beat out the Aces in the extra period.

“Binibigyan ko lang ng sagot ang tiwala na binibigay sa akin ng team. And I’m enjoying the game,” said Ildefonso.

Cabagnot was named co-Best Player of the Game with Ildefonso. The Fil-Am guard later recognized the great leadership being provided by Ildefonso in the team. Ildefonso, a league two-time MVP winner, had 10 points, five rebounds and two assists to mark his homecoming at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Asked of his fondest memory playing in the multi-purpose stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Ildefonso said it was his National U team’s upset of Ateneo during his UAAP days. He also pounded the NAS hardcourt while with the RP Youth team playing in the Asian junior championship in the mid-90s.

San Miguel and Alaska figured in a furious battle with both having a chance to win the game in regulation period. With Alaska down by one, 83-84, with time down to 1.5 seconds, Willie Miller split two foul shots off the sixth and last foul by Freeman.

With the same time left, San Miguel failed to break the standoff with Dondon Hontiveros misfiring a fall-away jumper from the right corner at the buzzer.

In overtime, San Miguel immediately seized control on a 6-2 opening binge by Santos and Ildefonso. Ildefonso himself sealed the win on a short jumper making it 94-89 with time down to 8.7 seconds. Alaska is now 0-6 dating back to the all-Filipino tourney. (SB)

The scores:
San Miguel 95 – Cabagnot 18, Washington 18, Freeman 15, Santos 10, Ildefonso 10, Villanueva 6, Miranda 6, Hontiveros 5, Pennisi 5, Pena 2, Yeo 0, Racela 0.

Alaska 89 – Miller 21, Simpson 21, De Vance 10, Tenorio 8, Cablay 8, Dela Cruz 8, Thoss 6, Hugnatan 6, Eman 1, Fonacier 0.

Quarterscores: 24-22, 42-46, 68-67, 84-84 (reg.), 95-89 (OT)