San Miguel Beer

CEBU, Philippines -  Curiously, confetti and balloons did not fall from the rafters when the final horn sounded and the 2015 PBA All-Filipino champion was declared.  It was some kind of a missing touch.  As per accounts, the balloons were tied too tight to the railings that it took some time to loosen.  It finally dropped an hour after the victory celebration.

No one from the winning camp was heard complaining of the miscue.  The last remnant of the original team members upon creation of Asia’s first play-for-pay basketball league, the San Miguel Beermen won their 20th franchise title and their first All-Filipino championship since 2001.  SMB was the heavy favorite with Alaska only given two wins the most.  What happened was that PBA fans witnessed one of the most unpredictable finals series.

Having the tendency to squander 20-point leads, the Beermen the other night blew a 23-point margin at half time and even trailed the Alaska Aces by six points in the last four minutes of the game.  Had Dondon Hontiveros converted a technical foul shot from an illegal timeout by Ronald Tubid, things would have been different.  The clutch three pointer by Arwind Santos 40-plus seconds remaining bailed SMB in what could have been a monumental finals fold up.

You’ll know a guy is proud of his roots when you see him wearing something not related to his present affiliation.  June Mar Fajardo took his SMB jersey while they were celebrating on the court and went around jumping and hugging everyone wearing a blue University of Cebu shirt.  That for me is acknowledging his basketball beginnings and realizing that without his experience with the UC Webmasters, he might not be where he is now.  Another UC alumni playing in the series is Hontiveros with Alaska but he only managed 4 points.

Twenty-one points and 25 rebounds. I suppose this is the first time that a local had this kind of stat in a PBA game.  Fajardo did it last Wednesday even with the constant double and triple teaming defense.  Alaska’s Sonny Thoss also made Fajardo’s night harder and has in fact scored at least 15 points off June Mar. 

San Miguel has a good frontline but they badly need upgrades at the backcourt.  Only Alex Cabagnot can pass as a legitimate point but there are times that he’s off his mark. Chris Ross doesn’t have enough experience.   Alaska on the other hand has JV Casio, Cyrus Baguio, Chris Exciminiano and the rookie Chris Banchero alternating and they produced.

Move over Ginebra, Alaska has taken over your tag as a never-say-die team.  Four times in the seven game finals series that they came back from the grave and prevailed thrice.  Had the basketball gods not given their nod to SMB, the Aces could have won Game 7.  It was a drama-filled series that features player altercations every game.

I am a San Miguel fan but I am a Calvin Abueva convert.  The way he plays gets into opponents heads that may times, not only during the series with SMB but with other teams as well, that opposing players are baited to retaliate.  Almost always, Abueva is in the spotlight of these tense moments.  I understand that the new Gilas coach was already scouting for players and he would be an idiot if he won’t consider Abueva for the national team.

Congratulations SMB for winning the PBA All-Pinoy Cup and congratulations Alaska for a very good series.  San Miguel came out with their best because Alaska also gave their best.  There’s nothing like a sub-zero SMB to savor the moment.  (FREEMAN)