Too bad San Miguel import David Young's performance on Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum could not change the Beermen's fortunes in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. Young exploded for 42 points and collared 12 rebounds to lead coach Ato Agustin's already eliminated SMB crew to a 121-117 overtime win over Rain or Shine.
It was San Miguel's first win since posting a 90-89 squeaker over Meralco on March 4. The Beermen lost six straight games after that win.
After Rain or Shine import Hassan Adams' split his free throws, Young and Rabeh Al-Hussaini made back-to-back baskets to give the Beermen a 117-114 lead with under a minute left in the extra period.
Adams doomed the Elasto Painters for good when he turned over the ball in RoS' next play.
Danny Ildefonso, who was fouled by Beau Belga, secured SMB's win with two free throws (119-114), time down to 28.5 seconds.
Although it was a no-bearing game, Agustin said he was happy that his Beermen ended their tumultuous campaign with a win. SMB finished at the cellar with a 2-7 card, its worst finish in franchise history.
"At least nanalo kami. We've been working so hard in our last practices. Gusto lang namin talaga manalo sa last game namin kahit na out na kami para madala namin next conference kahit paano,"’ said Agustin, whose Beermen will carry the new name of Petron Blaze the next conference.
Ildefonso and Arwind Santos tallied 17 points apiece to support Young's double-double performance, while Alex Cabagnot and Al-Hussaini registered 16 markers each. Santos also grabbed 14 rebounds while Cabagnot issued 12 assists.
Young could have won it for the Beermen in regulation but his potential game-winning three-point attempt failed to hit its mark. Regulation ended at 109-109.
It was also a no-bearing game for the Elasto Painters, who is already assured of a quarterfinals berth. Rain or Shine will either face Barangay Ginebra or Alaska in the best-of-three quarterfinals depending on the final seedings after the elimination round.
Adams paced the Painters with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Belga and Josh Vanlandingham scored 18 each. - JVP, KY, GMA News
Scores:
San Miguel 121 - Young 42, Santos 17, Ildefonso 17, Al-Hussaini 16, Cabagnot 16, Salvacion 5, Baclao 4, Miranda 3, Hubalde 1, Yeo 0, Tugade 0, Pennisi 0.
Rain or Shine 117 - Adams 20, Vanlandingham 18, Belga 18, Kramer 15, Rodriguez 14, Norwood 7, Chan 6, Jazul 5, Ibanes 5, Buenafe 3, Tang 2, Arana 2, Ferriols 2, Uyloan 0, Cruz 0.
Quarter scores: 30-23, 51-46, 82-80, 109-109 (regulation), 121-117 (OT).
Rey Joble, GMA News TV
