San Miguel Beermen Basketball Games Updates

Dorian Pena, Jay Washington Power SMB, Advances to Pre-Season Championship

Photo Credit: Abante Tonite

With barely a week before the new season starts, San Miguel Beermen's frontliners seem to be in shape to wage war against the biggies of other teams.

SMBs three towers in Dorian Pena, Jay Washington, and Mick Pennisi showed their might against the three towers of the Coca-Cola Tigers in Asi Taulava, Nic Belasco, and Mark Telan.

The win advances SMB to the pre-season's finals against the other bracket's top team. Too bad the strong contender in the other bracket (Alaska Aces) will not be playing. Doing so should enable the coaching staff to scout them before their first meeting on Sunday.

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SAN MIGUEL TRIPS COCA-COLA, SWEEPS GROUP B
Big men sparkle as Beermen prime up for 2008-09 wars

Source: Philippine Basketball Association
Saturday, September 27, 2008

Dorian Pena scattered 21 points to power the San Miguel Beermen past the Coca-Cola Tigers, 96-92, Friday night in the PBA Pre-Season basketball Tournament at the Olivarez Gym in Paranaque.

Jay Washington scored 19 points and Mick Pennisi added 11, going 3-of-7 from 3-point range for the Beermen, predicted by jaded observers as strong title contenders this season with their size and bench depth.

By topping Group B (2-0 record), San Miguel advance to Sunday's championship basketball game of this mini basketball tournament serving as tune-up for the league's 34th basketball season that commences on October 4.

The Beermen seized control early but needed a strong finishing kick to hold off a last ditch rally by the Tigers (0-2).

Danny Seigle, SMB's scoring leader, was banished from the basketball game three minutes into the second half following a nasty foul on R.J. Rizada that cost him a flagrant foul penalty 2.

Asi Taulava poured 19 points and Mark Telan turned in a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds) for the Tigers, who appeared to still be a work in progress with the 34th basketball season barely a week away.

"I've always been asked about our readiness. My standard reply is "this is all we've got"," said Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis, referring to his basketball lineup that has no big name basketball player other than Taulava.

"If we work hard and play our best every night good things might happen."

The Tigers, who trailed by as many as 15 points several times, pulled within 90-92 with 1:08 remaining but Mike Cortez and Dondon Hontiveros each hit a free throw before Washington sealed it with a putback in the closing seconds. (DBC)

The scores:

SMB 96 – Pena 21, Washington 19, Pennisi 11, Cortez 8, Seigle 7, Calaguio 6, Bono 6, Gonzales 5, Hontiveros 5, Pingris 4, Custodio 2, Racaela 2, Villanueva 1.

Coca-Cola 92 – Taulava 19, Cabagnot 17, Buenafe 14, Belasco 12, Telan 10, Arigo 9, Rizada 5, Calimag 3, Baguion 3, Dimaunahan 0.

Quarters: 26-17; 50-34; 73-68; 96-92.