San Mig Coffee spoils Ramos’ debut with Barako Bull in blowout win

MANILA, Philippines – San Mig Coffee, with a healthier lineup, sizzled even more tonight, clobbering Barako Bull under debuting coach Bong Ramos, 93-73, to clinch an outright playoff berth in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The Mixers shifted into high gear towards the end of the third quarter, ending the period with an 11-to-nothing run and sustaining the heat in the final canto for yet another big win that jacked up their record to 7-2.

JC Intal and Joe Devance, San Mig players who are just back from an injury, helped provide push in their searing second-half charge leading to the team’s fifth straight victory.

“We didn’t have the energy and we didn’t like our tempo in the first half. Our first group didn’t come out well, but they did a better job in the second half. We had a big run in the third. And it was a key win,” said San Mig Coffee coach Tim Cone.

Cone said they exerted special effort on defense after barely beating Barako Bull, 92-91, in their initial match.

“The last time, we won by the skin of our teeth. We were really just lucky,” said Cone.

Despite an injury-hit lineup, Barako Bull dragged San Mig Coffee in a battle through the first 35 minutes of the game, but just couldn’t keep step as the Mixers pressed their bid in the crunch.

The Energy Cola slipped to 3-7.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine (6-3) tries to stay right behind frontrunners Talk n Text and San Mig Coffee as the Elasto Painters play the resurgent Air21 Express in the Tubod, Lanao del Norte stop of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow.

James Yap and PJ Simon put the bulk of their two-point games in the second half, anchoring a rampage that had San Mig Coffee leading by 20 at 83-63.

“It’s a key win. We have to take it,” said Yap, narrowly missing a double-double outing with 22 points and nine rebounds.

Simon added 20 while Rafi Reavis, Intal and Devance contributed 30 points among the three of them.

The four teamed up in San Mig Coffee’s 11-to-nothing closing run that gave the Mixers a 67-57 lead after the first three quarters.

Simon also accounted for the first basket in the fourth quarter and, a little late, Yap sparkled in another decisive assault that ripped the game open at 83-63.

Barako just couldn’t keep step throughout with Enrico Villanueva and Josh Villanueva out with injuries and Mick Pennisi and Danny Seigle playing hurt.

Ronald Tubid topscored for the losing team with 17.

Talk n Text also played better with a healthier lineup, repeating over Meralco, 109-98, to keep its hold of the lead with an 8-2 card in the nightcap.

Meralco remained in search of a first-ever win in the Ynares Sports Center, but stayed at fourth place in the all-Filipino tourney at 5-4.