It was like a spillover from his vintage performance last game and Dondon Hontiveros made sure it would be good to the last drop.
The 37-year-old swingman who won many championships with San Miguel Beer, picked up from where he left off following yet another solid performance at the start of their finals series against the Beermen. He finished with 15 points, including a triple that shoved the Aces on top, 82-76 inside the final two minute mark in overtime.
The Cebuano hotshot’s sizzling performance was a fitting follow-up to his 17-point output in Alaska’s series-clinching win over Rain or Shine where Hontiveros nailed five three-pointers in the fourth period. Against San Miguel Beer, he was equally determined, but the 6-foot-2 gunner said it had nothing to do with playing against his former team.
“I’m just excited kung anong pwedeng ma-achieve ng team considering this is the first year that we’re running our new system,” said Hontiveros. “Maganda naman yung ipinapakita. Hopefully, ma-sustain namin yung intensity na ibinibigay ng team.”
Banchero was also a big factor.
Up against a more experienced guard in Alex Cabagnot, the rookie guard was able to outplay his counterpart.
A member of San Miguel Beer’s champion team in the ABL, Banchero showed up against his former squad by knocking in 16 points.
Cabagnot, on the other hand, struggled all game long and was held to just six.
