Taulava helps Beermen tame Dragons in ABL

FORMER PBA MVP Asi Taulava turned back the clock as he played a key role in a third period surge that propelled the San Miguel Beermen to an 80-62 win over the Westport Malaysia Dragons in the Asean Basketball League last Friday evening at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

It was the Beermen’s 10th straight win and it was made possible by the man known as “The Rock,” who scored eight in a 10-0 run at the start of the third period that allowed them to pull away from their opponents after leading by just one, 35-34, at halftime.

Taulava finished with 26 points and helped San Miguel record their 13th win in 16 games.

Import Brian Williams had 13 points and 14 rebounds while reigning league MVP Leo Avenido added 11. Hans Thiele finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.

The Dragons fell to 9-8 (win-loss) but remained in the third spot with the playoffs looming on the horizon.

BOX SCORES:

San Miguel (80) – Taulava 26, B. Williams 13, Avenido 11, Thiele 10, J. Williams 8, Banchero 5, Rizada 5, Acuna 2, Fortuna 0, Hubalde 0.

Malaysia (62) – Hubbard 15, Tautuaa 11, Armon 11, Edwards 10, Melton 5, Seng 5, Kuppusamy 3, Batumalai 2, Ooi 0.  /Correspondent Jonas Panerio