Warriors out to smother Beermen

Game today (Ynares Sports Arena)

5 p.m. – San Miguel Beermen vs Indonesia Warriors

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer takes on Indonesia at home for the first time tonight, looking to repeat their first-day victory against a rival that’s currently enjoying a three-game streak in the fourth Asean Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena.

Round One of the 2013 season went to the Beermen, who pulled off a 64-53 triumph right in front of the Warriors’ home crowd in Jakarta last month, but SMB coach Leo Austria said a lot has happened since that season-opening clash. 

Since then, the Beermen had split their two assignments against Saigon Heat (89-92 on the road and 100-74 at home) while the Warriors had bounced back from a 0-2 start to rack up triumphs over Malaysia (68-67 and 79-72) and Singapore Slingers (69-57). 

“The first time we met Indonesia, the Warriors were still struggling. With those three straight wins, they are a different team now. We should be careful and not rely on our talent alone,” Austria said. 

The Warriors seemed to have adjusted to life without injured star Stanley Pringle, as imports Steve Thomas and Chris Daniels, Jerick Canada, John Smith, Richard Smith, Mario Wuysang and Christian Sitepu have joined forces to put the team out of the doldrums.

“We have been giving a good effort. Defensively, our rotations are improving. We still have much to improve on the offensive end though,” said Indonesia coach Todd Purves. 

The Beermen are coming off their most impressive showing so far, unleashing their firepower in their 26-point rout of the Heat last Friday at Ynares.