Jet lagged Freeman powers SMB to 2nd straight win

MANILA, Philippines - Gabe Freeman shook the effects of jetlag and exploded for 40 points in his debut game on Philippine soil, powering San Miguel to a 114-105 win over Burger King Sunday night in the Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum. Freeman scored 17 of his total output in the final quarter as he helped the Beermen settle the outcome of the game just as the Titans came to within three points after rallying back from as much as a 55-81 deficit. The San Miguel import went 14-of-24 from the field, made 12-of-13 free throws and grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds in a brilliant showing from a man that hardly had a rest after arriving in the country from the US just last Saturday. In a fitting cap to his debut, Freeman came through with the game’s highlight reel, scoring on a spectacular 360-degree slam dunk that highlighted the Beermen’s second straight win. “We knew he was a livewire, we knew he was aggressive," said SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen. “But we never really expected this. That’s the kind of import we need, the energy he brings on the court." Freeman came into the country only as a quick replacement for Nate Carter, who failed to get a release paper from the league he last played in at France. “Pauwi na siguro yun," said Tanquingcen of Carter. Three more players added at least 15 points for San Miguel, which trailed 24-14 in the first quarter before stepping on the gas in the second and third periods to erect a commanding lead at 81-55 on a basket Freeman basket. The Beermen, though, didn’t escape with a victory without a scare. At at time when it thought that everything all looked like settled, the Titans came charging back and cut down the deficit to within 97-94 on a triple from Gary David with 3:34 left to play. But Freeman countered with a basket and Dondon Hontiveros added a pair of free throws to make it 101-94. For the second straight game, Arwind Santos topscored for the Titans, who lost for the first time in three games. He had 26 points, pulled down eight rebounds and had three steals while Beau Belga contributed a pro career-high 17 points and eight rebounds. Surprisingly, Shawn Daniels wasn’t fielded in the fourth quarter at the height of Burger King’s comeback. He ended with eight points and nine rebounds. -GMANews.TV