Saturday, May 10, 2008 Tigers turn back Magnolia for 6th win
MANILA—Asi Taulava and Jason Dixon proved their might at the paint and the Coca-Cola Tigers went on to pull off a 106-92 win over Magnolia Beverage yesterday in the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-9 Taulava and the 6-foot-9 import Dixon combined for 32 rebounds and 28 points to lift the Tigers back to the top of the standing along with idle Red Bull Barakos.
Both have a 6-2 win-loss slate.
“Magnolia came to the game with a mindset that was designed to kick Jason Dixon out of the game but it was their import who was in trouble ian the middle part of the match,” said Coca-Cola coach Benky Favis.
George Gervin Jr., Coca-Cola’s second import provided his share of the victory by firing 35 points, 18 in the first half that enabled them to forge their best start in an import-laden conference since 2003 under Chot Reyes.
“I think this is the first time we won a little convincingly. I’m confident now over our performance,” said Favis.
What compounded the woes of the Beverage Masters was the early foul trouble of import Jameel Watkins, who committed his fifth foul with still 22 seconds left in the third period.
Both Magnolia and Coca-Cola, which came off a 9-day rest, fought closely in the first two quarters, leading to five lead changes and five deadlocks, the fourth at 35-35 on Hontiveros’ triple.
Though both teams shot poorly from the field, the Tigers, who won the Reinforced conference in 2003, connected on more triples in the first half.
The 5-foot-11 Gervin also had five rebounds and four assists, while Taulava scored 21 points and Ronjay Buenafe added 13.
Lordy Tugade top-scored for Magnolia with 23 points and the 6-foot-11 Watkins and Mike Cortez finished with identical 14 points. (FCC)
