Beermen rule Game 3

[Watch Game 4 of the best-of-seven championship series of the 2010 Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference, at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 13, at the Cuneta Astrodome.]

The San Miguel Beermen surprised the Alaska Aces with their intensity early in the match then beat back every Alaska challenge thereafter to post a convincing 96-80 victory in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday.

San Miguel finally played with intensity at the defensive end to shock the Aces in Game 3.

The Beermen, hoping to avoid a 0-3 hole, jumped right out of the starting gate to post an early 22-18 lead after the first period. They then overwhelmed the Aces in the second period, outscoring Alaska, 27-12, to hike their lead to 19 big points, 49-30, at halftime.

Medyo masama ang start namin, said Alaska point guard LA Tenorio. Hindi namin napantayan ang energy nila. Alam naman namin na ganoon ang gagawin nila. Kaya lang hindi kami nakaadjust. Syempre hindi dapat ganoon ang laro namin.

Despite the loss the Aces still held a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship playoff. Game 4 will be played 7 p.m. Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Alaska import Diamon Simpson drew first blood in the second half scoring from point blank range to cut the San Miguel lead, 32-49. But Arwind Santos drilled a difficult triple to ignite a 6-0 San Miguel run and the Beermen extended their advantage to 24 whopping points, 56-32, with 10:12 to go in the third period.

Olsen Racela, playing in his 900th PBA game, showed more than just flashes of brilliance to help the cause of the Beermen.

Racela orchestrated the Beermen offense in the crucial fourth period and also finished with nine points for the game.

Sonny Thoss and Larry Fonacier conspired to power the Aces to an 8-4 start in the fourth period as the Aces cut the San Miguel Beer lead to only 13 points, 62-75, with 8:41 to go in the game. But Jay Washington stepped up for the Beermen draining a pair of free throws and then a difficult triple as San Miguel extended its lead to 18 markers, 62-80, with 7:57 to go.

Meanwhile, Alaska Aces players won individual accolades during the Leo Awards held before the game.

LA Tenorio earned recognition for his sterling all-around play all season long. He made it as a member of the Mythical First Team along with teammate Thoss, Most Valuable Player awardee James Yap, Arwind Santos and Washington.

Tenorio was also named Most Improved Player. Cyrus Baguio earned the Sportsmanship Award.

Joe Devance made it as a member of the Mythical Second Team along with Roger Yap, Kelly Williams, Macmac Cardona and Asi Taulava.

The scores:

Alaska 80 - Diamon Simpson 16, Joe Devance 12, Cyrus Baguio 11, Larry Fonacier 8, Sonny Thoss 8, LA Tenorio 7, Tony Dela Cruz 6, Sam Eman 5, Jeff Cariaso 4, Reynel Hugnatan 3, Mark Borboran 0.

San Miguel 96 - Gabe Freeman 24, Jay Washington 23, Arwind Santos 18, Danny Ildefonso 10, Olsen Racela 9, Denok Miranda 4, Joseph Yeo 3,Dondon Hontiveros 3, Alex Cabagnot 2, Mick Pennisi 0, Jonas Villanueva 0, Dorian Pena 0.

Quarter scores: 18-22, 30-49, 54-71, 80-96.