The San Miguel Beermen proved steadier in the endgame of Game 4 to edge out the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, 91 - 87 and even up the
2011 PBA Philippine Cup Finals Series to 2-2.
Olsen Racela & Danny Ildefonso both stood out, displaying great poise under a pressure packed game, dipping from their well of championship experience as part of SMB. They undoubtedly lead the Beermen to tie this finals series.
Racela knocked 4 crucial free throws in the face of shearing rally by the texters lead by Tropang Texters, who tied the game late in the game after falling behind by 12 at the end of three quarters. Danny Ildefonso meanwhile made two shots that reminded me of the years when he was the main guy. First, a sweet move at the post, fooling his defender and finishing with sweet looking finger roll. Then, he connected on a turn-around fade away jumper over a defender. He will eventually named the best player of this game.
Jason Castro, almost non-existent in the first half or neutralized by the Beermen's defense, came alive in the sport, sparking the Texters to battle back. His last three-pointer, moved TNT to 83, just 2 points behind SMB.
Split free throws from Jimmy Alapag & Larry Fonacier tied the game at 85 with just 1:13 to play.
Alex Cabagnot, clutch all conference long for SMB, knocked in a tough contested jumper over Ranidel de Ocampo, to give the lead back to the Beermen, 87 - 85 57.7 seconds to go.
In the ensuing TNT play, Arwind Santos made up for two crucial turn overs that aided the Texters. He disrupted the play with his long arms, the ball ending up with Racela who was immediately fouled.
Just like the old times, Racela cooly sanked the two free throws. TNT fans should've shouted Asian games to distract him. Hehehe!!! SMB now up by 4, 89 - 85 just 52.3.
Harvey Carey's put back brought TNT closer 89 - 87 with only 38.4 left. The Texters got another chance after Racela missed a three pointer in SMB's last play, 14.3 seconds to go.
Ocampo got the ball in TNT's final play but missed a well-contested jumper. I thought Castro would recover the long rebound faster but Racela beat him to it, and was again fouled. He canned the two free throws for the final score. With only .7 of a second left, Williams heave at midcourt would'nt have mattered even if it went in.
Never saw Game 3 but I heard it was a blow out. Game 4 then is the most exciting so far. I hope the remaining games will be as exciting. I am not a fan of either but as sportsfan, I really enjoyed this game.
Now, the Philippine Cup finals is down to the best of three. And I am hearing it from GF and another friend who are both long-time SMB fans. Good thing, TNT won the first two, that I had the initial chance to rib them. Hehehe!
***
If SMB wins the title, it would be a good send-off to Olsen Racela who will be retiring after the season..
I find Cabagnot overselling and OA to get a call.
In SMB's last time out, Coach Ato Agustin initially want Arwind Santos to inbound the ball, but changed his mind. The time out were spent drawing out a good inbound play.
Image via Wikipedia.
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