SMB battles 'Rain' with import back

MANILA, Philippines - Gabe Freeman is expected to return to action tonight as San Miguel Beer plays Rain or Shine in a crucial game in the PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Beermen hope to regain their bearing and rebuild momentum in a bid to salvage the second outright semifinal berth after losing four of their last five games.

The Elasto Painters are also out to check their own skid to land a spot in the Top Five which means outright slot in the quarterfinals.

This could well be Jai Lewis’ last game as Rain or Shine import as the team management is reportedly set to sign former Ginebra reinforcement Rod Nealy.

Sta. Lucia Realty and Air21 clash in the 5 p.m. opener with both teams out to enhance their chances for the wildcard round.

Focus, however, could well be on a San Miguel team now handled by assistant coach Ato Agustin.

It’s interesting to see how Freeman would perform amidst speculation he tested positive for a banned substance and voluntarily sat out their last two games.

The Commissioner’s Office insisted yesterday results of the league’s random drug testing are confidential under existing rules.

The SMB team maintained Freeman didn’t play in their last two games since he was suffering from a case of flu.

The Beermen, the front-runners in the early stage of the tourney, are suddenly standing on shaky ground.

At 11-5, the Beermen are just half a game ahead of the B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados (10-5) and a full game in front of the Alaska Milk Aces (10-6).

Ginebra, at 9-7, is nursing a slim chance of finishing second.