Beermen take Game 3

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beer finally showed up for the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

The Beermen displayed improved defense and a more fluent offense to waylay the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 103-82 to take game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup best of seven finals at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

Danny Ildefonso, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagot, Olsen Racela and Paul Artadi gave sterling performances to help the Beermen avert a 0-3 hole.

TnT still leads the series with a 2-1 advantage, with the Beermen aiming to equalize on Sunday.

The Texters played without guard Ryan Reyes who had to fly to Anaheim due to the death of his brother. Reyes will be back Saturday and will play in Game 4 set for Sunday.

Ildefonso finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds and was adjudged the game’s best player.

Prior to the start of the game, retiring SMB guard Olsen Racela was feted after 18 years of playing in the PBA.

Racela will hang up his jersey after this conference and will be the new head coach of the 16 and under National team for boys as appointed by the SBP.

Box Scores:

SMB 103 - Santos 20, Salvacion 13, Cabagnot 12, Ildefonso 12, Washington 10, Yeo 9, Hontiveros 9, Artadi 8, Racela 4, Miranda 2, Seigle 2, Pena 2, Pennisi 0.

TnT 82 - Castro 13, Alapag 13, Fonacier 11, De Ocampo 9, Dillinger 8, Aban 8, Carey 8, Oreta 4, Alvarez 3, Peek 3, Williams 2, Yee 0, Lao 0.

Quarters: 25-17; 47-36; 74-56; 103-82