Lamont Strothers, who was suspended one game and fined P50,000 for his misconduct in San Miguel’s 73-65 loss to Sta. Lucia Realty last April 7, will be sourly missed on the court as the Beermen try to improve their 4-5 record heading into the closing stages of the elimination round.
Mario Bennett was also fined P50,000 by Commissioner Jun Bernardino but escaped suspension. Strothers was more furious and uncontrolable in the dying seconds of the game after what he thought was a non-call by the referees.
RP Hapee has lost its last four games to Alaska, Purefoods, Bgy. Ginebra and FedEx for a 4-6 record. Another loss would mean the end of the road for the RP Hapee and leave the team in the company of RP Selecta (3-7), Bgy. Ginebra (3-7) and Shell (1-9).
A victory by RP Hapee, however, would create a mad scramble toward the next round since Sta. Lucia, Red Bull and Alaska are currently tied at 5-5. Red Bull is running fourth at 6-4 despite losing its last three games.
Talk‘NText, Purefoods and Coca-Cola are already assured of slots in the Magic Four with only one room left. The top four teams in the next round will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage over their respective opponents.