"It’s been an incredible weekend for us," beamed Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, whose team seized solo second with its 3-1 record.

"After bouncing back against Alaska, now we made it this time against San Miguel. I was just a virtual spectator during the overtime period and I let the players play the game. I’m really glad James went for the steal and gave the win for us," added Gregorio, whose team is coming off an inspired 88-84 overtime win against the Alaska Aces last Friday after bouncing back from a 29-point third quarter deficit.

San Miguel played with a big handicap for the third straight game this season in the absence of injured stars Dorian Peña and Dondon Hontiveros.

Danny Seigle carried the scoring brunt for the struggling Beermen, finishing with a game-high 30 points, on top of seven rebounds and four assists.

The 6’7" San Miguel swingman had an opportunity to send the game to a second extension period, but his 18-footer went hard off the iron as time expired.

Birthday boy Jean Marc Pingris, Purefoods’ newest acquisition this season, came through with his first-ever career double-double — 11 points and 10 rebounds, while adding two steals and the same number of blocked shots.

"Ping is really giving us a huge lift in the rebounding department, while his energy has also been inspiring our team," Gregorio said in praising the 6’5" former PSBA Blue Jaguar slotman, who was dealt to the Giants by the Air21 Express two weeks before the start of the 2005-2006 PBA season.

Marquin Chandler managed to lead the Giants’ in scoring despite picking up four quick fouls midway in the second period with 26 points, aside from pulling down 13 rebounds. Kerby Raymundo finished with 21 points, seven boards and two blocks for Purefoods.

On the other hand, the defending champion San Miguel five continues to languish in the cellar with its 0-3 record, its worst start in a conference since beginning the 2003 Reinforced Conference with a 0-5 slate.