Beermen try to keep top spot vs Bolts
Barangay Ginebra’s Joe Devance (38) eludes Star’s Rafie Reavis to score on a drive as Gin King Marc Caguioa looks on during their PBA Philippine Cup Christmas Day duel at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. The Gin Kings won, 86-79. PBA Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Cup titleholder San Miguel Beer and three other teams try to close out the year on a winning note as they figure in another explosive double-header in the Philippine Basketball Association at the Cuneta Astrodome tonight.
GlobalPort and Phoenix Petroleum face off at 4:15 p.m. then San Miguel and Meralco square off at 7 p.m. with each side looking to boost their respective Top Eight bids in the Philippine Cup elims.
“We expect some battles as each team wants to make a statement before the year ends,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria.
“We want to maintain our position on top but Meralco is a dangerous opponent. They’re a strong contender, dropping close matches in their recent games. I’m sure they’re raring to bounce back,” Austria also said.
The Beermen (4-1) seek to keep hold of the solo lead while the Batang Pier (3-2) and the Fuel Masters (3-3) hope to improve their stock in the Top Eight.
Meralco is currently at 10th place at 2-3 but its record doesn’t reflect the way the Bolts have been playing. All of their losses could have gone either way, losing by two points to Blackwater and Alaska Milk and by four to Phoenix.
“It will be a huge challenge for us going up against SMB. Trying to control the paint versus June Mar Fajardo will be our main problem, but we must also put up a strong team defense because of their overall talent,” said Meralco coach Norman Black. “Defensive rebounding will be the big key for us in this game.”
“Their 2-3 record is deceiving. Same with ours. We’re 4-1 but we’re just about to play the elite contenders,” said Austria. “I told the guys don’t be too happy with our standing. Our next few games up to the end of the elims are all tough.”
The Beermen’s next six games are against Meralco, Blackwater, Barangay Ginebra, Rain or Shine, GlobalPort and TNT KaTropa.
And they play the Bolts with big men Gabby Espinas, Yancy de Ocampo and JR Reyes all doubtful starters with their respective health woes.
Espinas and De Ocampo are nursing flu while Reyes is bothered by sore legs.
The Fuel Masters have their own health problems. But even minus top guns JC Intal and Willy Wilson the last time out, Phoenix was able to overcome Meralco, 94-90.
Phoenix, however, faces another acid test against Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle and their GlobalPort teammates.
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