With a sorry loss Friday, Tanduay, meanwhile, has found its back against the wall again, its bid to end a title drought hanging in the balance.
San Miguel has evened things up with Tanduay, and the Beermen set out the top favorite as they meet the Rhum Masters in a knockout match for the last semis slot at the Philsports Arena tonight.
Game time is at 7 p.m. with the winner advancing to the Final Four against early qualifier Red Bull.
Red Bull officials admit they prefer to play Tanduay but think the Rhum Masters will have a tough time toppling the Beermen because of their depleted lineup.
"San Miguel has the overwhelming edge in matchups. Tanduay has small cast and I think they can only beat San Miguel if Jeffrey Cariaso and Dondon Hontiveros come up with big games," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.
The Beermen, who barely made it to the quarterfinals with a poor 5-4 win-loss record, forced a sudden-death with the Rhum Masters with a 100-89 win in their first duel Friday. Red Bull grabbed the first semis seat on the same day via a 91-87 drubbing of Sta. Lucia Realty.
San Miguel exposed Tanduay’s weak points in that game as the Beermen dominated the boards and neutralized the Rhum Masters’ running game with a methodical defense.
Still, San Miguel coach Jong Uichico doesn’t discount the possibility of a Tanduay comeback.
"Makakasiguro lang kami ng panalo if we play our full potential," said Uichico.
San Miguel has been dominating Tanduay with the Beermen having beaten the Rhum Masters four times in their first five meetings this season.
And if the San Miguel keeps its mastery of Tanduay, the SMC franchise will remain in the hunt for a repeat championship in the season-ending tournament that will increase to 15 its total number of titles in the league.