Beermen force semis playoff

San Miguel Beer paraded a new import in Tommy Smith but drew a better effort from Fil-Am Dorian Peña as it smashed FedEx, 106-78, yesterday to assure itself of a playoff for an outright semifinal berth in the Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

With an import who just planed in just two days ago groping for form, the Beermen called on Peña, who played like one as he sizzled with 27 points, snared 10 rebounds — six on the offensive end — and held his own against the taller, heftier Anthony Miller to anchor the Beermen’s 11th win in 18 outings.

"Dorian played well against Miller, who is really hard to stop because he’s strong," said San Miguel coach Jong Uichico.

Drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the second round two years ago, the 6-foot-10, 215-pound Smith, who was forced to replace an ailing Chris Burgess, struggled for six points although he came away with 11 rebounds, two shot blocks and an assist in 29 minutes of action.

For Uichico, that wasn’t so bad.

"It’s unfair to judge him (Smith) on his first game because he just arrived yesterday (Thursday). We crash-coursed him for two hours but I guess he needs a week to get to know the system," said Ulchico.

Five other locals also stepped up for Smith and an injured Danny Seigle led by Dondon Hontiveros who shot 21 points. Francis Adriano also made his presence felt as the former Sta. Lucia Realtor debuted as a Beerman with 10 points, including eight in the pivotal third quarter where the Beermen broke away from a tight 43-39 game at the half.

Miller and Ren Ren Ritualo had 15 points apiece for the Express, who absorbed a ninth loss against the same number of wins.

The Beermen would advance outright to the semifinals in case of a loss by co-leader Talk N Text to Ginebra San Miguel in the second game which was being played at press time.