Beermen repeat over Thunder

San Miguel continued to be Red Bull’s big daddy in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in a Father’s Day featured game last night as the Beermen kept their mastery of the Thunder with a 90-85 decision at the Araneta Coliseum.

Nate Johnson shrugged off a poor start and delivered clutch baskets in the second half as the Beermen bounced back from a sorry loss to the Alaska Aces the last time out and stayed without successive defeats in their last 24 games dating back to the All-Filipino Cup.

Struggling for only 14 points in the first half, Johnson came back from the halftime break, scoring almost at will, hitting 17 in the third period and adding 10 in the fourth quarter to lead the Beermen to their third win in four starts in the second conference.

San Miguel coach Jong Uichico thought they’re right on target, saying their goal in the elimination round is to win at least six games to make it to the Top Four.

"We’ve got three wins in our first four games. We have five more games. Makakuha lang kami ng three more wins, siguro medyo safe na kami sa Top Four," said Uichico, who also believes his team isn’t in top shape yet as they had to prepare for the tournament for only a week after ruling the All-Filipino Cup.

The player who looked well in top shape was Johnson, who aside from scoring a game-high 41 points, also pulled down seven rebounds, took four steals, dished out one assist and had one block in another impressive showing, helping San Miguel keep its dominance of the young Red Bull squad. The Beermen overcame the Thunder in the playoffs in the recent All-Filipino and last year’s Commissioner’s Cup en route to winning the championships in both tournaments.

Once again, Red Bull bowed to San Miguel but without giving a hell of a fight.

The Thunder seized the initiative at the start and though wavering a bit late in the first half, they regained control, 63-60, entering the final 12 minutes of play.

But the Beermen proved to be a tough nut to crack for the Thunder in the payoff quarter, showing poise and confidence all the way in dealing Red Bull a second loss also in four starts.

Danny Ildefonso, who came up with 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists against eight turnovers, buried crucial free throws to keep San Miguel’s head above water in the closing seconds.

Nic Belasco also made his presence felt in the contest, scoring 17 points and snaring two rebounds coming off the bench.

Antonio Lang also had an impressive performance for Red Bull with his 40-point game only going for naught in the end. Lang came out firing bombs and put up a tough defensive stance against Dan Seigle whom he held to only five points.