Ildefonso stars in SanMig win

By WAYLON GALVEZ
Manila Bulletin
September 18, 2007

DANNY ILDEFONSO came to San Miguel Beer’s rescue with timely baskets down the stretch as the Beermen bested Coca-Cola, 126-116, in the PBA Pre-Season Tournament yesterday at the Marikina Sports Complex.

The 6-foot-6 Ildefonso, a two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), scored 27 points, including nine in a pivotal 16-10 run that turned a 106-101 San Miguel edge lead to a 122-111 bubble with two minutes left.

The win propelled the Beermen to the top of Group A with a 2-0 win-loss card while the Tigers remained winless with after two games.

"It was a good win, we had a balanced scoring. But we still have other things to improve in our game," said SMB interim coach Siot Tanquingcen, who will call the shots while head coach Chot Reyes remains on-leave for the RP National team.

Holding a slim 56-55 halftime lead, the Beermen used a 12-1 run capped by an Ildefonso jumper to take a 68-56 advantage midway in the third period.