Surging Warriors nip Beermen in OT

INDONESIA came back from 10 points down in the last three minutes of regulation to shock San Miguel Beer in overtime, 98-96, last night at Ynares Sports Arena and grab the solo lead in the Asean Basketball League (ABL).

The backcourt trio of Mario Wuysang, John Smith and Filipino import Jerick Cañada delivered the telling blows in the huge rally as the Warriors avenged their homecourt loss to the Beermen last month.

“It was an absolute battle and I’m proud of my guys,” said American coach Todd Purves after his defending champion Warriors streaked to their fourth straight win for a 4-2 record. “They kept grinding even when things weren’t going our way.”

Wuysang unloaded half of his 20 points in overtime, including two free throws with 7.4 seconds left that gave the Warriors a 98-93 cushion.

Cañada also fired four points in the last 59 seconds to finish with 18.

The Beermen, who dropped to a share of third at 2-2, had a chance to wrap it up in regulation, but blew a 10-point advantage, 74-64, in the last three minutes.

Three straight turnovers also hurt the Beermen, helping the Warriors take their first lead of the game, 77-76, with 57.6 seconds left.

A pair of Cañada free throws pushed the Warriors ahead, 80-78, before Gabe Freeman forged the extra period, 80-80, by nailing two foul shots with 1.4 seconds left.

The Warriors’ backcourt trio, however, quickly got to work in the extra period as Smith opened with a trey and Wuysang shot five straight points for an 88-84 edge.

The scores:
INDONESIA 98—Wuysang 20, Cañada 18, Daniels 18, Thomas 17, J. Smith 16, Sitepu 4, R. Smith 5, Prihantono 0, Ristanto 0, Indrajaya 0.
SAN MIGUEL BEER 96—Freeman 33, Williams 22, Menk 10, Banchero 9, Avenido 9, Taulava 7, Rizada 4, Hubalde 2, Acuña 0, Cawaling 0, Doruelo 0.
Quarters: 18-21, 36-47, 53-59, 80-80 (reg) 98-96 (OT)