Beermen get back at Heat

MANILA, Philippines - The San Miguel Beermen got back at  the Saigon Heat with a near-perfect vengeful 100-74 victory last night at Ynares Sports Arena,  becoming  the first team to reach 100 points in the ABL this season.

Gabe Freeman found his shooting touch and led the Beermen with 21 points, followed by Brian Williams with 18 points.

Chris Banchero and Asi Taulava added 14 points each for the Beermen who finished the game with an impressive 59 percent shooting from the field. The Beermen outscored the Heat 44-18 for points in the paint.

With David Palmer sitting on the bench early in the second quarter due to foul trouble, the Beermen took advantage and made a run.

The Beermen closed the second quarter with an 8-1 run which gave them a 55-35 lead at halftime. Eric Menk made a lay-up off a nice assist from Banchero, then Asi made back to back baskets and Banchero converted two free throws to cap off the run.

Things did not get better for the Heat in the third quarter as Palmer picked up a technical foul which was his fourth in the game with 8:21 left.