Hontiveros stars in big comeback

San Miguel Beer waged a searing chase from the depth of 21-point deficits in the third quarter and upended Barangay Ginebra, 98-93, sustaining its journey from the wildcard round to reach the KFC PBA Philippine Cup Final Four at the Cuneta Astrodome Sunday.

Dondon Hontiveros fashioned out a second straight 30-point showing, becoming the biggest factor as the Beermen stunned the Kings in their knockout setto to gain the right to challenge the Talk n Text tropang Texters in the best-of-seven semifinal round.


It will be Sta. Lucia Realty versus Alaska Milk at 5 p.m. then San Miguel against Talk n Text at 7:30 p.m. in the semis opener Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

"I want to continue playing. There was the opportunity to be of help to the team and I just grabbed it," said Hontiveros, stepping up as the Beermen bucked Olsen Racela's early exit on a flagrant infraction and overcame tremendous adversities.

The Beermen gained entry into PBA Final Four all the way from the wildcard round for the third time in franchise history. They pulled off the same trick in the 2004-05 Philippine Cup and the 2007 Fiesta Conference.

"We came from the dead. I thank the players for keeping the faith although we fell behind by as many as 21," said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen, shedding tears of joy.

"I also want to give credit to Ginebra for really pushing us. Despite a depleted lineup, they almost won the series. Breaks went our way in the end," Tanquingcen added.

The Kings pushed the Beermen to the limit only to fall short of their bid, thus, settling for fifth place in the all-Filipino tourney.

Hontiveros was the man of the hour for the Beermen, scattering 34 points, including 27 in the final half to fuel San Miguel's mighty comeback from 21 points down at 41-62 and 43-64.

Bonbon Custodio, Lordy Tugade and Danny Seigle had significant contribution, helping the Beermen stay in further contention after having survived three knockout games in the tourney thus far.

Going to naught was Jayjay Helterbrand's sterling all-round game spiked by 30 points, seven rebounds and the same number of assists.

Curiously, Helterbrand went wild right upon Racela's exit, pouring in 20 points in the first half with four triples, three two-pointers and two charities.

Alas, Helterbrand was held down to 10 in the second half.

"Pinakuha ka na agad sa depensa ni coach pag-tawid para ipasa na niya ang bola," said Hontiveros on their defensive adjustment.

From a two-point standoff, the Kings raced to a 15-7 lead and led by as many as 15, 36-21, before closing the opening half at 49-36.

The Kings did better than the Beermen practically on all fronts in the first 24 minutes of play and stepped up their game even more at the start of second half to enjoy the 21-point cushions.

Hontiveros, however, fueled the San Miguel fightback towards the end of the third, getting the Beermen back in the fight at 67-70 going into the payoff period.

The Beermen poured on the heat in the payoff period with Hontiveros scoring 14 and Custodio, Tugade and Seigle combining for the same output. (NC)

The scores:

San Miguel 98 -- Hontiveros 34, Custodio 13, Tugade 11, Seigle 9, Washington 8, Villanueva 7, Pennisi 5, Pena 4, Pingris 3, Baguion 2, racela 2, Gonzales 0.

Ginebra 93 -- Helterbrand 30, Salvacion 17, Menk 9, Mamaril 8, Tubid 7, Pacana 6, Artadi 6, Wilson 6, Valenzuela 4, Escalona 0, Cabatu 0.

Quarterscores: 14-22, 36-49, 67-70, 98-93


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