Beermen saves Philippine Cup season, cops 3rd place

San Miguel Beer salvaged some semblance of pride in a tournament it was expected to top, blasting Barangay Ginebra, 95-88, to win their one-game battle for third place in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. Dondon Hontiveros scored 15 of his 18 points in the opening half, while Danny Ildefonso added 15 including back-to-back baskets down the stretch that helped the Beermen clinched their 15th third place finish in franchise history .

The Beermen fell short of making the all-Filipino Finals after losing to the Purefoods Giants in their best-of-seven semifinals series, 4-2. "It’s never too late to do the right thing," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen. "Yes we fell short, but this does not mean we are going to disregard the battle for third place. We learned our lessons." Danny Seigle and Dorian Peña contributed 10 points each for the Beermen, who led by as many as 61-49 in the third period before overcoming a slim Ginebra lead in the fourth on its way to the win. The Kings last held the lead at 71-70 early in the fourth, before Peña scored inside to put the Beermen in front to stay 72-71. The Beermen stretched the lead to 91-85 with three minutes left to play. Ildefonso took charge from there. After the Kings came to within 91-86, the two-time most valuable player knocked in a long jumper from the left quarter-court and then hit another, this time from the right corner, after Willy Wilson made a pair of free throws for the final count. Ronald Tubid had 22 points to lead Ginebra but had none in the fourth period. JC Intal added 13 points and Rich Alvarez contributed 10. "Being a champion does not always mean that you’re always a winner," Tanquingcen added. "This is where you build character, this is when you work on your game. At least we thank God that up to this time we played one more game." – GMANews.TV