CARNIVAL CELEBRATE BIG UPSET
Kia just pulled off the biggest upset in the young conference, sending Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer crashing back to earth with an 88-78 drubbing on Wednesday.
With the Beermen still feeling the effects of championship hangover, the Carnival drew significant contributions from their local players and handed San Miguel a defeat it its first Commissioner’s Cup assigmment.
“Ang advantage lang namin dun is kakagaling lang nila sa break. Kung nakalaro na ng isa, dalawang games yan, baka nakakundisyon na sila,” Mark Yee said, as he almost got a double-double with his 11 points and nine rebounds.
“Blessing in disguise na rin na first game nila sa amin. Na-capitalize lang namin yun.”
LA Revilla added, “Tuwang tuwa kami, not just because San Miguel ang tinalo namin, pero dahil ang tagal na naming di nanalo. It’s a relief on our part and it’s overwhelming.”
Revilla had 12 points, five rebounds, and six assists in the victory.
But for Kia’s towering import PJ Ramos, it’s just the first step in the Carnival’s quest for respectability this conference.
“It’s the first game we won so we’re excited and hopefully, we will practice harder so we can win many more games,” Ramos said.
“The team is good. We have young players and veterans so we’re all focusing on getting better.”
And the win is a fitting welcome for playing coach Manny Pacquiao, who will return to the sidelines come Sunday.
“I’m a fan of his and he’s a fan of mine, but we just want to win games,” Ramos said. (RL)
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