Freeman comes up big as SMB ties Finals series

San Miguel import Gabe Freeman scored on a putback and made two charities while Brgy. Ginebra counterpart David Noel missed three freethrows as the Beermen escaped with a 106-104 win in Game 4 to even their Best-of-7 Finals series at two games apiece in the 2008-2009 Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Freeman finished with game-highs of 23 points and 21 rebounds, Dondon Hontiveros chipped in 19, Mike Cortez 18 and Danny Ildefonso 15 as the Beermen avoided a 1-3 deficit and get the series back to even ceiling.

“Not taking anything away from Ginebra because they played really hard and they shot very well. But we're not getting any breaks from the refs,” San Miguel coach Siot Tanquincen said, partly referring to the 28 fouls called against them.

“Konting kanti kami, foul agad ang tawag. Pag nakanti mo kahit balahibo lang nila, nasa foul line na sila,” he said. “Pero it's human nature. We just have to deal with it.”

Jayjay Helterbrand, who earlier in the evening was named the 2008-2009 PBA MVP, topscored for the Kings with 22 points to go with his 4 rebounds and 6 assists. He was not able to finish the game though after suffering a minor injury. Noel also finished with 22 points along with 18 rebounds. Erik Menk continued his good form with 21 points in just 19 minutes while Ronald Tubid and Rafi Reavis added 10 points apiece.

Game 5 will be held on Monday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Scores:

San Miguel 106 - Freeman 23, Hontiveros 19, Cortez 18, Ildefonso 15, Villanueva 9, Washington 9, Pena 7, Pingris 6, Racela 0, Pennisi 0.

Brgy. Ginebra 104 - Helterbrand 22, Noel 22, Menk 21, Tubid 10, Reavis 10, Baguio 9, Salvacion 5, Lanete 2, Mamaril 2, Wilson 1.

Quarters: 24-26, 47-46, 71-73, 106-104.