SAN MIGUEL BEER's Samboy Lim, right, sneaks under the defense put up by Pure Foods' Jerry Codinera, left, and Bong Ravena in last night's PBA All-Filipino Conference game at the Cuneta Astrodome. San Miguel won, 70-66. Story on page B-23. (Bob DUNGO Jr.)

What it lacked in size and manpower San Miguel Beer made up with a big heart and tenacious defense in beating Pure Foods Corned Beef, 70-66, last night in the PBA All-Filipino Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Nelson Asaytono tried to approximate the absence of streak-shooter Allan Caidic, swingman Paul Alvarez and center Dong Polistico with an all-around effort to lift the Beermen past the Cowboys.

The bull-strong power-forward finished with a game-high 30 points including three in the last 42.9 seconds which proved to be the key in the low-scoring game. He also spiced his 47-minute stint with a night-high 13 rebounds, a couple of steals and the same number of blocked shots.

And most of his 14 points in the payoff quarter were made in a match-up with Alvin Patrimonio who logged in only 12 points in 43 minutes.

Olsen Racela added 15 markers and four steals while Samboy Lim, Freddie Abuda, Art dela Cruz and Michael Mustre combined for 25 points in completing the scoring numbers for San Miguel.

"I don't think either teams played well. What can I say, the only way we could beat them (Cowboys) is through our defense," said American coach Ron Jacobs.

But Pure Foods, with rookie coach Eric Altamirano calling the shots, likewise played a good "D" on San Miguel which was held to franchise-lows of eight points in the second quarter and 26 at the half. Both records are eighth in the all-time low list.

On the other hand, the 70-point output of the Cowboys is also the third lowest winning score which, in addition to the Beermen's 66, will be recorded as the fifth worst combined numbers in a single game.

"I really like my guys," added Jacobs whose job in the San Miguel bench is still being disputed by the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines. "We couldn't match up with Pure Foods but they pulled through." -EDGARD A. HILARIO

February 20,1997
BCAP to pursue fight vs. Jacobs.

February 19,1997
Sta. Lucia posts 'ugly win' over Pop Cola.

Decimated Gordon's Gin drops Shell, 88-81.

Angry Ginebra finally drops bid to re-sign Feihl.

February 18,1997
Gordon's Gin, Shell mix it up tonight.

February 17,1997
Alaska thunders past Mobiline.

February 16,1997
PBA 23rd season opens with grand slam coaches.

February 15,1997
Coach sees new role for Alvin

Alaska's winning lineup broken, but not its spirit.

Feihl wins MVP.