San Miguel Beer, showing the poise, class and character of a true champion, ended Tanduay Rhum's stirring run in the Alaxan PBA All-Filipino Cup with a 76-67 decision in an emotional and pulsating contest before a big Sunday crowd at the Araneta Coliseum last night.
The Beermen as expected put premium on defense and unravelled surprise offensive package in Boybits Victoria as they dealt the Rhum Masters their first loss of the season.
"We know it's tough playing Tanduay because they have a deep bench but we also know some of their weaknesses as a team. We just tried not to allow them play their game," said San Miguel coach Jong Uichico as they handed the Rhum Masters their first loss in seven starts.
Beating their fellow favorites in their first duel of the year, the Beermen improved their own win-loss record to 5-1.
"No excuse, San Miguel played big and I have to give it to them. But this is a long season and despite the loss, we're still on top at 6-1," said Tanduay coach Alfrancis Chua.
Indeed, the Beermen played big with Dan Seigle and Danny Ildefonso putting in big numbers and Victoria playing big off the bench to put up solid support to his teammates.
Dishing out his most impressive performance in the season thus far, Victoria tallied 18 points, including crucial baskets that helped spark decisive runs by the Beermen in the final half.
What could be Victoria's biggest shot of the night was a long triple he made after the Rhum Masters surged ahead at 66-65 after falling back by 12 at 48-60 at the outset of the fourth quarter.
In the first game, Mobiline continued to dish out an impeccable game and demolished Pop Cola, 113-76. -