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SMB STAYS IN THE HUNT

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Facing outright elimination, Arwind Santos and his teammates took it upon themselves to talk things out.

Over dinner Monday night, the San Miguel Beermen talked heart to heart in a bull session that obviously worked – at least versus the Barako Bull Energy.

The Beermen fought with great resolve, bucking the early ouster of June Mar Fajardo on a sprained ankle as they topped the Energy, 102-91, to keep their flickering playoff hopes alive in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night.

“They initiated the move. Nag-meeting sila to thresh out the problem. Ayaw nilang umabot sila sa blaming game,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.

Santos presided over the meeting and himself led the juggernaught that averted their early elimination in the mid-season tourney.

“I’m happy with what the guys showed. Actually, whether we’re still in or out, yun ang gusto kong ibigay nila because we’re professionals and that’s what the fans deserve from us,” Austria said.

Though still slightly injured, Santos produced 22 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 42 minutes of action.

With Fajardo helpless on the bench, Arizona Reid, Alex Cabagnot and Doug Kramer also came out to help carry the load as the Beermen notched a second win in eight games.

Reid piled up 34 points and 16 rebounds, Cabagnot logged 17 markers, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals while Kramer, filling in for Fajardo, contributed 14 points and eight rebounds.

Even minus Fajardo, the Beermen took control most of the way and sent the Energy down to joint sixth place with the GlobalPort Batang Pier at 4-4.

Going to naught were the big numbers of Sol Alabi (25 points and 24 rebounds) and JC Intal (25 markers, six boards and three assists).

Austria said they pulled off a big win considering they’re still recovering from their tiring and taxing grind in the Philippine Cup which they won over Alaska.

“The team is still physically and mentally drained. They’re exhausted at hindi pa talaga nakaka-recover,” said Austria. “Look at Alaska, ganoon din ang problema nila in this conference.”

Fajardo was able to play just about eight minutes and made two points and two blocks against one error.

Ronald Tubid was another Beerman who took an early exit after sustaining a busted nose. He got to play only five minutes and 37 seconds and canned in three markers.

But the Beermen overcame their ouster and thus stayed in the hunt for the eight-team quarters. (SB)

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