jay-washington-game-3-san-miguel-vs-alaska-aces
Photo Credit: PBA.PH

August 11, 2010 – Playing as if it’s a do-or-die game, the San Miguel Beermen surprised the Alaska Aces, 96-80, anchored on tough defense to take Game 3 of the best-of-seven PBA Fiesta Conference Finals at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jay Washington lead the Beermen’s attack with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals. The win narrowed down Alaska’s lead in the series 2-1.

San Miguel unveiled its suprise attack early in the first quarter with their aggressive defense forcing Alaska to turn over the ball many times. The Beermen were quick to capitalize on these errors with fast break attacks. The defensive ploy did not allow Diamon Simpson, Alaska’s gem in Games 1 and 2, to handle the ball too long in the post with quick double teams thrown at him.

SMB raced to an early 13-5 lead with Arwind Santos leading the pack with 10 points. Alaska, however, cut down the lead when Gabe Freeman rested temporarily. The first half ended 22-18 in favor of San Miguel after Alex Cabagnot’s buzzer-beating jumper.

In the second quarter, San Miguel’s defense continued to haunt Alaska. SMB opened the quarter with a 6-2 run. Import Gabe Freeman started to hum providing great defense to his man resulting to turnovers thereby allowing him to get free on fastbreaks. Together with Jay Washington who also waxed hot from outside, San Miguel erected a huge first half lead 49-30.

The third quarter showed Alaska making some progress but their efforts were quickly countered by the Beermen. The first period of the third period showed both teams just exchanging baskets. But late in the period, the triumvirate of Arwind Santos, Jay Washington, and Gabe Freeman started to dominate with the three conieving on scoring fast break points after every Alaska turnovers. The quarter ended with SMB still ahead 71-54.

WIth the huge lead that they have, coach Siot Tanquingcen opted for a more stable half-court offense and managing the time. He put Olsen racela on the floor who played his 900th game. Together with veterans Danny Ildefonso and Dondon Hontiveros, they fought back with Alaska comeback attempt capped by Danny Ildefonso’s raied the roof slam. Racela also showed brilliance in the fourth quarter sinking in 3 3-point baskets.

Alaska was not able to come back from there with the Beermen sustaining their stingy defense down to the last seconds of the game.