After missing two games allegedly due to flu, Gabe Freeman exploded for a conference-high 30 points to power the San Miguel Beermen to a 99-86 thrashing of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the PBA Fiesta Conference. Freeman also grabbed 21 rebounds as the Beermen snapped a three-game losing slide with their 12th win in 17 games. As a result, second-placed San Miguel is in the best position to secure the other semifinals berth as it is two games ahead of the third-running Derby Ace Llamados (10-5). The league-leading Talk N Text Tropang Texters (14-2) earlier secured the first semifinals slot. Alex Cabagnot also played superbly on both ends of the court for San Miguel, notching 12 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Sol Mercado once again was the topscorer for Rain or Shine with 21 points. The loss dropped the Painters to a 7-9 win-loss record. They could still forge a playoff for the last outright quarterfinals seat if they win their last two games and the Barangay Ginebra Kings (9-7) lose their last two. Jai Lewis played his last game for Rain or Shine after it secured the services of former Ginebra standout import Rod Nealy. In the first match of the double-header, the Sta. Lucia Realtors finally arrested their six-game losing streak as they brought down the Air21 Express 113-91. Toughening up on defense, the Realtors slowed down Leroy Hickerson, the high-scoring Air21 import, who still managed to lead all scorers with 37 points. Sta. Lucia had never tasted a win since May 12 when it won against Alaska. That was the last time their top two gunners – Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes – were in their roster before they were traded to Talk N Text. With a 5-11 record, the Realtors are headed for the sudden-death wildcard phase of the season
