Beermen beat Gin Kings, 101-98

Brandon Cablay and Olsen Racela combined a last minute play that lifted San Miguel Beer over Barangay Ginebra, 101-98, Sunday in the continuation of the Talk N Text-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum, according to www.pba.ph. After Ginebra import Rod Nealy split his free throws to tie the count at 95-95 with 1:24 to play, SMB called time before Cablay scored off Ginebra's reserve center Andy Seigle from the right low block. Then on SMB's next possession, the athletic guard grabbed an offensive rebound that paved the way for Racela's two free throws and a 99-95 lead that held on to the end. "This is a big game for us. It's tough to beat Ginebra but our guys gave them a heck of a challenge and made key plays in the end game,' said SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen, who is now 9-5 since taking over the coaching chores from assistant Biboy Ravanes. Their eighth consecutive win improved the Beermen's record to 9-7 and gave them a slim chance of earning a free ride to the semifinals. In the first game, J.J. Sullinger and Mac-Mac Cardona waxed hot in the third quarter to help Talk N Text Phone Pals to post a 114-102 win over Sta. Lucia Realtors. The pair scored all but six of the Phone Pals third quarter production to help Talk N Text improve to an 11-6 record that put them on track to gain an outright semis berth with just three playdates remaining in the eliminations. Sta. Lucia picked up its third consecutive loss and 12th in 17 games keeping their spot in the wildcard uncertain. "We know this will be a tough game because Sta. Lucia is fighting for its life and is also in need of a win. The first half was a bit shaky but the guys (Phone Pals) picked up their rhythm in the second half. We shot well and made a good job defensively," said TNT coach Derick Pumaren. - GMANews.TV