Codiñera’s fumble stalls Pals’ entry

Jerry Codiñera literally fouled up Mobiline’s chance to gain automatic entry into the PBA All-Filipino Cup quarterfinals, yielding a sorry loss to San Miguel Beer on one foul that surprised everybody at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

It was an unnecessary foul Codiñera committed on Olsen Racela in the last four seconds with the count tied at 66-all, enabling the San Miguel pointguard to hit the deciding free throw in a 67-66 squeaker over the Phone Pals.

Codiñera later said he lost track of the game, not knowing that the game was about to go into overtime where the Phone Pals could have a chance at nailing the victory that would have assured their entry into the Final Eight.

With the loss, Mobiline faced the specter of going through a playoff for the last quarterfinals berth should Tanduay beat Alaska in their game which was still being played at presstime.

"Hindi ko natingnan ang board. Hindi ko alam na tabla ang score at nasa penalty na kami," said Codiñera.

It was a heart-breaking loss for the Phone Pals, who closed out their elimination-round stint with a 6-8 win-loss card.

San Miguel wound up with a 9-5 slate, thus, getting a shot at the top seeding in the quarterfinals. If Pop Cola beats Sta. Lucia Wednesday, the Panthers force a three-way tie on top with the Beermen and the Shell Turbo Chargers. In this case, the Beermen gain the No. 1 seed on the strength of a superior quotient.

"Although, we’ve long been assured of a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters, we’re very happy getting this victory. It feels good playing competitively despite the absence of three key players," said San Miugel coach Jong Uichico.

San Miguel ended its elims stint on a winning note minus Dan Seigle, Boybits Victoria and Freddie Abuda who were all in sickbay.

Rob Duat started in place of Seigle, dishing out a respectable game with 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals in 35 minutes of action.

Nic Belasco played extended minutes in the absence of Abuda and likewise came up with crucial numbers, including two free throws that pushed San Miguel, 66-65, ahead with defense by the Beermen.

Jherome Ejercito muffed a Mobiline’s chance to win the game on a missed three-pointer then came Codinera’s nasty foul on Racela.