Import Chandler Saves the Day

Last night’s PBA main event witnessed a great game between two winless teams in the 2007 Fiesta Conference Cup. Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdogs and San Miguel Beermen both have suffered the worst team start with 0-3 win-loss card.

Prior the game, both teams have made major adjustments to their rosters hoping to stop the drain from losing. Purefoods re-tapped the services of Marquin Chandler whom he helped win big games last year, while San Miguel changed the coaching profile with Siot Tanquingcen leading the Beermen.

However, it appears Purefoods have been favored the wish from the blue fairy. With Chandler reinforcing the team, he amassed an impressive output of 33 points, 12 rebounds and 3 assist with a crucial defensive stop, completely denying the last shot of SMB import Paul McMillan that could have possibly put the game in overtime.

The TJ Hotdogs trailed in the entire ballgame but was able to bounce back. 1:36 in the game clock, Chandler drop-pass the ball to Richard Yee who was all alone in the shaded lane. Yee’s lay-up put the Purefoods ahead with 76-75.

McMillan retaliated with an awkward shot in the middle that came from a looseball, 76-77, the time was 44 seconds remaining.

In an effort to be heroic and lift the team further, Chandler forces a shot that went off the backboard and into the hands of a lone Rey Evangelista for a quick put back regaining the 1-point lead.

Chris Calaguio passed the ball and got interfered in the process, putting the Beermen trapped in the losing end.

Shooting from the free throw line, Chandler only made one of the two, cementing the final score 79-77.

The Beermen still have the chance to tie the ballgame but its import, McMillan failed to make the first free throw that came from a Chandler foul. The second shot was intentionally missed gambling for a rebound and a quick put back.

The plan, however, was foiled by Chandler when he blocked Dorian Peña underneath the basket with only 2 seconds before the buzzer.

Purefoods went home with their first victory while San Miguel added another loss to a string of consecutive defeats.