Dragons vent fire, ire on Beermen, tie series

MANILA, Philippines - Westports Malaysia Dragons handed San Miguel Beermen their worst loss, romping off with 100-77 rout that forged a deciding Game 3 in their AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League semifinal series yesterday at the Maba Gym in Kuala Lumpur.

Tiras Wade (34 points, three steals, three assists) and Brian Williams (26 markers, 15 rebounds, seven feeds) spearheaded a lethal 13-0 blast in the middle of the fourth to give the Dragons an insurmountable 87-70 cushion.

“All week long, my challenge for the team is to make a statement game. We’ve had unbelievable practice sessions and that translated into the game,” said Dragons coach Ariel Vanguardia, who also drew 17 points from Patrick Cabahug, laced by three triples, as they bounced back from a 104-111 overtime loss in the series opener a week ago in Manila.

The you-or-me duel for a finals slot will be held on Saturday, back on the Beermen’s home turf, Ynares Sports Arena.

“There’s nothing to celebrate, really, we just tied the series,” said Vanguardia, who also apologized to the ABL for his statement against officiating after the Game 1 setback.

The Beermen played catch up after allowing the Dragons to post an early 20-7 lead. The visitors methodically cut down on the hosts’ upperhand, going to within three at the end of the second and eventually overtaking the Dragons at some point in the third. SMB fired blanks in the fourth, though.

“Not the best time to play our worst game. But at least it’s not yet over. We will bounce back,” said SMB sports director Noli Eala.