Beermen make big blast-off

While coach Jong Uichico opted to take a break, his three Busan Asian Gamers readily returned in their San Miguel uniform last night, helping the Beermen launch their title-retention bid in the Selecta PBA All-Filipino Cup in style versus the FedEx Express at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen walloped the Express, 94-71, in a game that looked like one of those massacres fashioned out by the Philippine team in the early goings of the Asiad war.

Danny Ildefonso and Olsen Racela were up to the task as they reassumed their old roles while Dondon Hontiveros blended with the Beermen well right in his first game in an SMB jersey.

And playing as if the team camped together in training for a long time, the Beermen had relatively easy time making it three in a row over the Express this season.

The Beermen settled the outcome of the game early on a dizzying 20-2 run in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter that had San Miguel racing to an 83-56 advantage.

FedEx actually stayed within striking distance in the first three quarters but San Miguel kept control, taking a seven-point lead, 45-38, at halftime and a nine-point spread, 63-54, at the end of the third on buzzer-beaters by Racela and Ildefonso.

"I should give credit to our national players. I thank them for coming back right away although we know they’re tired mentally, if not physically," said SMB assistant coach Siot Tanquincen, who continuously called the shots for the team with Uichico opting to just observe first from the bench.

"Coach Jong deserves the break. Imagine 10 months nagpakapagod iyan para sa bayan," Tanquincen added.

Dorian Peña worked extra hard at the paint with Nic Belasco out with a bruised knee, pacing the Beermen with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Hontiveros had 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists in his first game as a Beerman while Ildefonso and Racela combined for 22 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists.

Racela took a trip to the stripe late in the second quarter on a foul by Egay Billones. He was jeered by the FedEx crowd but made both charities then let out a sheepish grin.

Governors’ Cup titlist Purefoods likewise played well while welcoming three returning Asian Gamers as the Hotdogs repulsed the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 71-63, in the second game.

"Coach Ryan Gregorio did a good job preparing the team while we’re away. And it helped that our Asian Gamers jelled right away their teammates," said Purefoods coach Eric Altamirano.