MANILA, Philippines – Allan Caidic hardly looked like he missed a beat as he fueled San Miguel’s come-from-behind 96-83 over Alaska in the Return of the Rivals at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, February 17.

The 55-year-old, arguably the best Filipino shooter in history, fired a game-high 26 points spiked by 6 triples to help the Beermen erase a double-digit lead and cruise in the final quarter of the PBA legends game.

Caidic had trouble sinking shots after scoring only 5 points in the first half off a dismal 1-of-8 clip before finding his touch, erupting for 21 points in the final two quarters – including a whopping 16 in the payoff period.

The score was knotted at 78-all midway through the 4th quarter before San Miguel unloaded a 13-1 spurt capped by back-to-back Caidic triples to mount a 91-79 lead with two minutes left. 

Alaska managed to trim its deficit to single digit off two straight buckets from Kenneth Duremdes and Johnny Abarrientos, 83-91, but did not have enough time to stage a comeback. 

Danny Ildefonso put up a double-double of 14 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists while Denok Miranda finished with 17 markers, 4 boards and 4 assists for the Beermen. 

Dondon Hontiveros had 11 points and 11 rebounds and Nic Belasco hauled down 18 rebounds in the win. 

Willie Miller delivered 20 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals for the Milkmen, who wasted a 10-point, 34-24 lead in the 2nd quarter. Abarrientos had 11 points, 10 assists and 2 steals in the losing cause. 

The game served as a benefit event for the PBA Legends Foundation, an organization geared to help retired professional basketball players.

The Scores

San Miguel 96 – Caidic 26, Miranda 17, Ildefonso 14, Hontiveros 11, Belasco 7, Alvarez 6, Racela 5, Agustin 4, Calaguio 3, Gamboa 2, Paras 1, Reyes 0, Asaytono 0, Teng 0, Abuda 0.

Alaska 83 – Miller 20, Abarrientos 11, Santos 9, Dela Cruz 8, Cariaso 7, Laure 6, Duremdes 5, Juinio 5, Lastimosa 4, Ferriols 4, Gomez 2, Hawkins 2, Sotto 0, Adornado 0.

Quarters: 20-21, 32-40, 62-59, 96-83.

– Rappler.com