Brown tip-in seals SMB win over Meralco

MANILA, Philippines –  San Miguel Beer overcame a seven-point deficit in the last three minutes and banked on Ira Brown’s buzzer-beating tip-in to steal a 90-89 victory over Meralco in their classic match in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

But unknown to Brown, he won what proved to be his farewell game with the Beermen since he will be replaced by former Seattle SuperSonic David Young.

“He’s a pro. He would understand,” said San Miguel coach Ato Agustin. “We have decided that we need an import who could create something in the 2 (off-guard) and 3 (small forward) positions.”

Brown had another mediocre game, going 7-of-12 from the field, but was in the right place at the right time to save the game for the Beermen.

It was San Miguel’s first win in two starts while Meralco reeled to its third straight loss which could also prompt the team to replace its import Tony Danridge. The B-Boys actually have a back-up import in Nigerian Chamberlain Oguchi.

SMB beat Meralco in a helter-skelter finish that saw the Beermen fumble possession, recover then miss three attempts in the last 25 seconds before Brown came through with the winning putback at the buzzer.

Jay Washington earlier missed a short jumper and a follow-up then Arwin Santos muffed a tip-in.

“It’s not exactly what we drew up during the timeout. We lost the ball, and we’re just lucky to get it back and escaped with the win,” said Washington.

The victory marked Brown’s farewell outing and the debut game of Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Noy Baclao as Beermen. Rey Guevarra, the other new recruit by SMB from Air21, was not used in the contest.

Al-Hussaini started at center spot and logged 10 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one block against one error in 32 minutes of action.

Baclao played five minutes, missing one field-goal attempt and committing an error.

Santos turned the ball over off a timeout but quickly redeemed himself, initiating a defensive gem leading to Brown’s winning shot.

Sol Mercado earlier blew away a chance to seal the game for Meralco as he missed an attempt from way, way out with 27 seconds left to play.

In the second game, Marcus Douthit came through with another big double-double game with 23 points and 19 rebounds, and Smart Gilas showed great composure in a close battle with Alaska Milk, pulling off a 91-89 decision in overtime.

 Chris Tiu also had a double-double game with 17 points and 10 rebounds with Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz and Andy Barroca adding at least 10 points each helping the Nationals make it two in a row after a winning debut versus the Talk n Text Tropang Texters.