Friday, March 30, 2007 PBA to hold All-Star Game in Bagiuo City; Sta. Lucia Realtors hand SMB’s sixth loss
THE San Miguel Beermen fell to their worst start in francise history in 21 years as they suffered a 90-95 humiliation at the hands of the Sta. Lucia Realtors yesterday in the Talk n Text PBA Fiesta Cup at the Fresnedi Sports Center in Muntinlupa City.
The loss was the Beermen’s sixth in as many games, while the Realtors’ victory, their second in five games, avenged their worst loss in franchise history against the Red Bull Barakos Friday night at the Astrodome.
The Realtors of coach Boyet Fernandez squandered a 15-point edge at the half as the Beermen came back strong in the third before the former recovered their poise in the final canto to preserve the win.
Rookie Fil-Am Kelly Williams again worked wonders for the Realtors as he logged in 17 markers on top of five rebounds to be adjudged Best PLayer of the Game.
Sta. Lucia import Rock Winston also starred for the victory as the 6-foot-2 high-leaping reinforcement contributed a double-double performance of 15 baskets and 14 boards, while Dennis Espino added 10 of his own.
Recovery
The losing Beermen were headed by import Paul McMillan, who banged in 31 markers and 11 boards with 18 of his points coming in the third canto when the Beermen got back into the game.
The Realtors’ blazing offense, which gave them a 56-51 edge at the bend, suddenly went cold in the third canto as the Beermen launched a successful comeback bid that gave them a 73-70 edge entering the fourth period.
But the Realtors recovered their touch just in time as they launched an 11-4 rally that completely broke the back of the Beermen.
Dorian Peña also played a huge game in a losing cause as he added 13 points and 10 rebounds for San Miguel, who were mentored by Siot Tanquincen.
Meanwhile, the annual All-Star fever shifts to Baguio City and La Union as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) brings the mid-season spectacle to the two provinces up North from April 25-29.
Preparations for the five-day event are now being undertaken by the host provinces to ensure another smashing success of the All-Star festivities.
Baguio City will be staging the All-Star game—the main fare of the weekend activities—and the exciting three-point shootout and the slam dunk contest.
On the other hand, La Union is the site of the Blitz Game and the skills challenge.
“Baguio City and San Fernando, La Union hosting the PBA All-Star caravan this summer is simply perfect, the two provinces having been known not only for their passion for basketball, but also as favorite destinations of many during this time of the season,” said league commissioner Noli Eala. “So we’re expecting the All-Star festivities to be another major hit this year.” (JSV with PBA Media Bureau)
