Arwind goes thru test of character

MANILA, Philippines – For Arwind Santos, the San Miguel-Meralco tiff became a test of character that he passed with flying colors.

Santos was twice put on the spot in the game – the first one on a scuffle with Kelly Nabong and the second on being posterized by rookie Chris Newsome on an electrifying jam.

But the one-time MVP awardee let his game do the talking and had the last laugh.

Staying focused, Santos came through with 16 points and 10 rebounds to help the Beermen to a 101-85 win over the Bolts.

“That wasn’t payback. We needed to win, and that’s the bottom line,” said Santos of his sterling game.

Shortly after the buzzer in the first half, Santos and Nabong were called a double technical foul as the Meralco Fil-Am center bounced the ball to the direction of Santos, then the SMB forward responded by throwing the ball back to Nabong.

And they came face-to-face, both mouthing angry words.

In the third quarter, Newsome broke through the defense of Santos, elevating high to slam the ball right in front of the SMB forward.

“I didn’t expect him to fly that high. Yung challenge ko hilaw because I thought it would just be a simple layup,” said Santos.

But Santos just stuck with the role he was playing, and proved to be of help in their second straight win in the season.

He had a good smile on his face, leaving the Big Dome.