The much-awaited 2014 PBA
Philippine Cup semifinals between the Beermen and the Tropang Texters turned
into a snoozefest as San Miguel was relentless on both ends of the floor,
continuously frustrating Talk N Text en route to a 1-0 series lead.
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| Alex Cabagnot had a triumphant return to SMB. (image by Paul Ryan Tan/Sports5) |
Game Capsules (adapted
from InterAKTV):
SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN over TALK N TEXT TROPANG
TEXTERS, 109-86
The top-seeded San Miguel
Beermen were merciless against Talk ‘N Text on Friday, demolishing their
rivals, 109-86, to take an early lead in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal
series at the Mall of Asia Arena.
San Miguel, led by
reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo and former MVP Arwind Santos, imposed its hulking
size advantage in the interior as they crushed the fourth seed in a lopsided
series opener. Fajardo posted 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks while
Santos finished with 21 points and 8 boards in strong showings for the Beermen.
San Miguel’s lead stood at
a high of 33 points. They also overwhelmed Talk ‘N Text on the boards, winning
the rebounding battle, 56-39.
Ranidel De Ocampo gave
Talk ‘N Text a boost in the first quarter, stepping into the game from off the
bench at the 4:30 mark and instantly scoring 11 points in a 13-5 run that was
instrumental in giving the Tropang Texters a 27-20 lead after the first 12
minutes. But San Miguel completely dominated the rest of the way, starting with
a one-sided second period where they overwhelmed their opponents on both ends
of the floor, demolishing Talk ‘N Text, 33-9, to turn the contest around.
Santos was the main
culprit for the Beermen in the turnaround, knocking down two three-pointers and
slamming home a big-time dunk en route to 10 second quarter points. He also
figured in a bit of an altercation with De Ocampo after the Talk ‘N Text
forward occupied the former MVP’s landing spot following the dunk, resulting in
a flagrant foul. Santos knocked down both of his free throw attempts off the
foul.
The stifling Beermen
defense, meanwhile, was in full control, holding Talk ‘N Text to a mere 7%
shooting (1-for-14) from the field in the second stanza.
The Texters were paced by
the combined 36 points of De Ocampo and former Beerman Danny Seigle.
Game 2 is tomorrow also at
the Mall of Asia Arena.
Line of the Game: June Mar Fajardo - 23pts, 10rebs, 3asts, 2blks, 1stl.
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| Arwind Santos played big for the Beermen, who are three Ws away from the Finals. (image by Nuki Sabio/PBA) |
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| June Mar Fajardo was unstoppable in the paint for SMB. (image by Nuki Sabio/PBA) |
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| Ranidel De Ocampo could not rally his team to a Game 1 win. (image by Paul Ryan Tan/Sports5) |
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