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In one of the best sudden-death match-ups in the PBA, San Miguel Beermen managed recovered from 21-point deficit in the 3rd to snatch a 98-93 victory over the crowd-favorite Brgy. Ginebra Kings.

Ginebra controlled the game right at the tip-off especially when Olsen Racela was called for a flagrant foul penalty 2 as he placed his foot on the landing lot of Jayjay Helterbrand gunning for a 3-pointer. Racela's ejection led to Helterbrand's rampage scorching SMB from the rainbow country. Helterbrand finished with 30 points but was held down to only 10 in the 2nd half. SMB haunted BGK in the 3rd with their fullcourt press and Dondon Hontiveros turned on his hot shooting. Rookie Bonbon Custodio also stepped up especially in the 4th, tricking Ginebra with his daredevil drives to the hoop.

It's a sour defeat for Ginebra. I could only imagine the misery of the Ginebra fans who were already celebrating in the 3rd when the Gin Kings established huge lead and had their shots falling from everywhere. Then, there came the San Miguel juggernaut.

SMB advances to the semis facing well-rested Talk n Text Tropang Texters. This only shows that the two teams made the right moves during the off-season. Recall that the two got involve on a draft day trade which sent Jay Washington to SMB for SMB's 3rd draft pick. TnT then selected spitfire pointguard Jason Castro.

San Miguel 98 -- Hontiveros 34, Custodio 13, Tugade 11, Seigle 9, Washington 8, Villanueva 7, Pennisi 5, Pena 4, Pingris 3, Baguion 2, racela 2, Gonzales 0.

Ginebra 93 -- Helterbrand 30, Salvacion 17, Menk 9, Mamaril 8, Tubid 7, Pacana 6, Artadi 6, Wilson 6, Valenzuela 4, Escalona 0, Cabatu 0.

Quarterscores: 14-22, 36-49, 67-70, 98-93