Danny Seigle is back in the groove and San Miguel Beer is back on the run. Seigle came through with his worthiest showing in the season thus far as San Miguel repeated over Rain or Shine, 104-90, to stay right behind pacesetter Alaska Milk in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
The former Wagner U hitman produced 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal in leading their charge against the Elasto Painters, making it two in a row after their nine-game run was halted by the Aces on Dec. 9.
The Beermen improved their win-loss record to 11-3 with Lordy Tugade, Arwind Santos, Mike Cortez and Dorian Pena also getting away with huge numbers against the Elasto Painters.
Santos had double-double stats with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Tugade contributed 18 points, Cortez chipped in 12 points and eight assists and Pena added 10 points and eight rebounds.
Pena achieved a new milestone, becoming the 30th player to get at least 2,000 defensive rebounds.
The Beermen struggled at the start but picked up their game in the second period then sustained the momentum in the final half as they duplicated their 93-77 bashing of the Elasto Painters in their previous match.
San Miguel outscored Rain or Shine in each of the last three quarters.
At 3-10, Rain or Shine is just a game in front of tail-enders Barako Bull (2-11) and Coca-Cola (2-11).
The three teams are out of the fight for the top five. They're now reduced to a battle to avoid last place which means outright elimination after the double-round preliminary phase.
The Beermen, meanwhile, enhanced their bid for an outright semis slot with their 11-3 card.
SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen, however, continued to downplay their chance.
"The three teams behind us are capable of catching up. It's too early for us to think that we're safe. It's dangerous if we think that way," said Tanquingcen.
Neither Tanquingcen thought they have become all the more formidable on the return of Seigle and Jay Washington.
"Potential-wise magandang tignan. Pero depende pa rin sa maraming bagay ang magiging performance ng team. One is the question of chemistry," said Tanquingcen.
"Lumakas nga ang materyales, baka hindi naman magkaamuyan sa loob ng court," he added.
That's not the case as they reaffirmed their mastery of the Elasto Painters. (SB)
The scores:
San Miguel 104 - Seigle 20, Tugade18, Santos 14, Cortez 12, Pena 10, Eman 7, Miranda 6, Villanueva 5, Hontiveros 5, Wasington 4, Pennisi 3.
Rain or Shine 90 - Arana 17, Norwood 16, Reyes 13, Mercado 12, Tang 9, Cruz 6, Hrabak 6, Laure 4, Chan 3, Ibanes 2, Telan 2.
Quarterscores: 24-34, 53-48, 76-65, 104-90
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