Thursday, November 13, 2008 San Miguel survives Coke’s last ditch rally for 7th win
MANILA - San Miguel Beer successfully foiled Coca-Cola Tigers’ last ditch rally to survive a pulsating 89-86, win yesterday in the 34th KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Mick Pennissi and Jay Washington provided the needed lift in the crucial stretch to frustrate the Tigers and nail their seventh win, a feat that enabled the Beermen to regain their share of the top spot.
The Beermen were held scoreless by the Tigers in an 8-0 blazing run but Washington completed a pair of charity to stretch the gap back to four points, 88-84, still 16.8 seconds remaining.
“We were trying to strengthen our defense in the final period. We were down in the first two periods thanks to successive charities,” said coach Siot Tanquingcen.
Coach Kenneth Duremdes’ Tigers refused to bow easily as Alex Cabagnot retaliated with his two free throws off a foul by Marc Pingres to keep the Tigers hopes alive with still 8.3 seconds remaining.
Then came the 6-foot-8 Pennissi, who converted two charities off a foul by Asi Taulava to save the day for the Beermen and gain momentum going into the second round starting on Saturday against Alaska.
With the setback, interim coach Duremdes is now 2-2 since taking over the coaching chores from Benky Favis two weeks ago.
The absence of Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso and recently Mike Cortez to an ACL injury, had the Beermen struggling most of the way before taking the lead at the start of the pivotal period.
It was the second straight hard-earned victory by coach Siot Tanquincen’s team after a controversial 130-129, double overtime win over the Air21 Express last Nov. 5 (FCC)
