A Tamaraw always watches the back of a fellow Tamaraw
The San Miguel Beermen stamped their class on Friday evening, showing the upstart Blackwater Elite why they have owned the Philippine Cup for two straight years.
Right from the tip-off, the two-time defending Philippine Cup champions did not let up, never relinquishing a double-digit lead in the last 43 minutes and 20 seconds of the game. The Beermen were lights-out from the field (shooting 47 percent), imposed their size (having a 60-53 rebounding edge that led to a 16-7 second chance points advantage), and displayed great familiarity (assisting on 30 off their 45 field goals).
In addition, the much-hyped match-up between former league MVP Arwind Santos and ace rookie Mac Belo, both products of the Far Eastern University basketball program, turned out to be a one-sided affair, as Belo was shackled by the Beermen’s rotating cast of defenders.
“Pinaghandaan din namin sila kasi alam namin na may kakayahan sila na talunin kami. Pinaghandaan talaga namin,” said Santos, who finished the 118-83 rout with eight points, five rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
“First and second quarter, maganda talaga ang ginawa namin defense and offense kaya nalamangan namin sila ng malayo at nahirapan sila makabalik nung huli.”
However, the 35-year-old was disappointed with the lack of plays called by Blackwater for Belo who is 12 years his junior. The Blackwater rookie has been averaging 15.4 points on 10.5 attempts per game, but was limited to just four points on five attempts in the game.
“Okay naman [laro niya] pero kanina parang di siya pinapasahan ng nga kasama nya eh. Parang mabibilang mo lang kung ilang beses siya pinasahan ng mga kakampi niya,” shared Santos, who led the FEU Tamaraws to three UAAP championships.
Santos went on to say that even if Belo is just a neophyte in the league, he deserves to have plays called for him based on his talents alone.
“Dapat tingnan din nila yun kasi sayang yung talent ng bata. Si coach Leo [Isaac] ang makakapagdikta ng ganun. More plays pa para kay Mac Belo,” he added.
“Nag-a-average siya ng 17 points per game [prior to the game]. Kanina parang wala silang play, kanya-kanya sila so baka gigil din sila manalo.”
The four-time PBA champion is hoping that the young Blackwater franchise listens to this advice, as it may help arrest the two game skid the Elite are in right now.
