By noli cruz
WITH HIS star players taking a day off offensively, Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis felt lucky his team’s defense didn’t rest last night.
"Our defense is really carrying us this early," said Favis after his team’s 80-72 win over Purefoods Chunkee in the Gran Matador Brandy 2006 PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
"It’s not necessary for our top players to deliver as long as we’re taking care of business at the other end," he said.
It was the third straight win for the Tigers, pulling them ahead of idle Barangay Ginebra (2-0) on top of the standings.
In a game laden with fine defensive plays, the Giants were the first to blink.
After 11 lead changes and 14 deadlocks, the Tigers pulled away with a 12-2 run in the fourth period starring Dale Singson, Rob Wainwright and Rafi Reavis.
Singson actually scored all of his seven points in the payoff period.
Before Singson’s explosion, Dennis Miranda was the star at the Tigers’ backcourt.
Miranda obliterated his previous high 10 points with a 20-point effort in 32 minutes of play. The rookie playmaker made 6-of-7 shots including a triple and went 7-of-10 from the stripe. He spiced up his career game with five rebounds, five assists and three steals.
"Dennis is playing like a veteran," said Favis. "That’s what we’re expecting from him. His court savvy is awesome."
Miranda’s showing covered the terrible performance of John Arigo. The Tigers’ second leading scorer in the first two games was scoreless in just 15 minutes.
Foul trouble limited his playing time. He picked up two quick fouls in the first and another pair in the second.
Ali Peek, who made a record 12 shots without a miss in their last game, missed his first five shots. He only had 10 points, way below his average of 24 in their first two games.
The Giants constantly double-teamed the muscular forward in the low blocks, forcing him to kick out most of the time.
First Game
COCA-COLA 80 — Miranda 20, Reavis 15, Antonio 14, Peek 10, Wainwrighjt 8, Singson 7, Morano 4, Abarrientos 2, Mamaril 0, Arigo 0.
PUREFOODS 72 — J. Yap 18, Raymundo 12, Artadi 11, Limpot 8, Castillo 7, R. Yap 5, Tejada 4, Pingris 3, Evangelista 2, Yee 2.
Quarters: 15-14, 31-32, 52-52, 80-72.
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