MANILA---Gary David exploded for 35 points and new import Martin Zeno completed a decisive three-point play as Powerade hacked out a come-from-behind 99-91 victory over slumping San Miguel Beer last night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Zeno’s crucial basket after getting clipped by Mick Pennisi on his way to the rim with 58.4 seconds left sealed the deal for the Tigers, who snapped a three-game skid.
The Tigers, who sent the explosive Russel Carter home for the untested Zeno, won for only the second time in six games while inflicting a third consecutive defeat on the Beermen, who dropped to 1-4 (win-loss).
Though Zeno’s numbers were unimpressive, Powerade coach Bo Perasol said he’s confident that the Texas Tech alum could make them better.
“He’s the type of import who could create things for us and build our confidence,” said Perasol of Zeno, who debuted with 13 points on four of 13 shooting and five rebounds.
In the second game, Nate Brumfield had 26 points and 15 rebounds and Willie Miller scored seven of his 18 in the fourth as Barangay Ginebra rolled to its second straight win with a 99-86 victory over Air21.
The Kings have now won three of five while the Express, led by Alpha Bangura’s 26 points and Danny Seigle’s 23, dropped four straight games for a 1-4 slate.
The Express are now 0-3 since the blockbuster trade that dealt last year’s top rookie picks Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao and Rey Guevarra to the Beermen.
David, who scored 26 points in the final half, knocked down five three-pointers and a floater with 26.9 seconds remaining that doomed the Beermen.
“In the end, it was our desire that spelled the difference,” said David after scoring at least 30 points for the second straight game.
David Young missed two consecutive threes and two free throws inside two minutes that hastened the Beermen’s d
downfall.
It was a bitter setback for the Beermen, who were trying to recover from their worst defeat in more than a decade, a 41-point defeat at the hands of the Smart Gilas national team last week.
The Beermen squandered a 72-58 lead going into the late stages of the third quarter with Jay Washington, their top local scorer, sidelined by a left hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud yesterday approved San Miguel Beer’s change of team name to Petron Blaze in the next conference.
The PBA board of governors, which will decide on Barako Bull’s request to sell its franchise to Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, has reset its meeting for the second time in a week to March 22.
Barako Bull needs the approval of seven out of the 10 member clubs, including itself, to consummate the sale.
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