Tigers spill Beermen behind David heroics

MANILA, Philippines - Gary David followed up a 36-point game with a 35-point outing last night, including 26 in the final half, to lead Powerade to a come-from-behind 99-91 victory over San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

New import Martin Zeno struggled for only 13 points but came through with a crucial three-point play in the homestretch, helping the Tigers check a three-game skid and improve their win-loss record to 2-4.

San Miguel Beer, to be known Petron Blaze starting the next conference, blew away a 13-point lead late in the third period and moved deeper down the leaderboard at 1-4 with a third straight defeat.

“Obviously, it was an uphill climb for us. But I told the team from the beginning that it’s not the result that will matter but rather how will they play the game,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

The Tigers responded well to their coach’s challenge, putting up a gutsy stand to notch the important win.

“The result of the game proved that we can win, and I’m hopeful it will boost our confidence in playing our last three games,” said Perasol.

David, the league leading local scorer with an average of 25 points an outing, raised his game notches higher, outplaying San Miguel import David Young who finished with only 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The former Lyceum Pirate knocked in five of six three-point attempts and added six twinners and eight charities as he took charge for the Tigers who played all-Filipino for almost half of the game.

Zeno committed three fouls right in the opening period and was able to play only 25 minutes.

Nonetheless, Perasol was convinced Zeno is better than Russel Carter.

“We’re okay with an import who can give us energy doing little stuffs like defending and getting the rebounds,” said Perasol.

Barangay Ginebra closed in on the frontrunners as it scored its first back-to-back wins in the tourney with a 99-86 drubbing of Air21 in the nightcap.

 Nate Brumfield got away with a double-double game with 26 points and 15 rebounds while Willie Miller, Ronald Tubid and Mark Caguioa contributed at least 14 points each as the Kings notched a third win against two losses.

Zeno struggled with a 4-of-13 field-goal shooting but came through with a big three-point play off Mick Pennisi at crunchtime, giving Powerade a 94-89 lead entering the final minute.

After Rabeh Al-Hussaini missed a short jumper, David clinched the win for Powerade with a booming basket from the right flank.

Guard Chico Lanete was the only other Tiger who put in a double-figure output with 11 points.

Arwind Santos led the Beermen with 26 points with Alex Cabagnot and Danny Ildefonso adding 15 and 13, respectively.

Jay Washington sat out the game due to a hamstring injury.