Fired-up Beermen face Slingers today

MANILA, Philippines - Fresh from their 27-point rout of Chang Thailand Slammers that netted them the overall lead over the weekend, the San Miguel Beermen try to stay on top as they tangle with the Singapore Slingers at the Ynares Sports Arena today.

The Beermen (14-4) have beaten their last three opponents by an average of 19.3 points, making them the solid favorites against the Slingers (7-9) in the 4 p.m. home outing, the first of a rare twinbill at the Pasig venue.

SMB’s fiercest rival, the former champions AirAsia Phl Patriots (13-4), also play their home game at 7 p.m., parading a full-strength crew after the league allowed them to reinstate Nakiea Miller vice Chris Alexander.

Alexander abruptly left the squad, forcing the Patriots to play with only one import, Anthony Johnson, in a 104-79 setback to Indonesia Warriors last Saturday. Tonight, Miller will be back to man the slot in the PG Flex home game against Saigon Heat (6-10) as they aim to arrest a two-game skid.

Both SMB and the Patriots are already assured of places in the semifinals and they are on a race to finish atop the leaderboard and gain homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.

“I am pleased with the team’s progress although there are still a lot of things we have to work on. One is cohesiveness in running our plays better. Although our past games have been blow-outs, we should not relax and be content,” said SMB coach Bobby Parks.

Unbeaten in their last four assignments, the Beermen are on a roll, thanks largely to the lethal combo of former Petron import Nick Fazekas and partner Duke Crews.

“We never had a great import combination until now. Before, we had one good import so I felt that we are overmatched by the opponent. Now, I think we have one of the best (combo) in the league,” Parks said. 

The entry of Fil-Am Chris Banchero also helps the Beermen bind together and play team ball as seen by the 29 assists they dished off last time.

“There is no ego and that’s the sign of a team that wants to win,” said  Parks.

The Patriots, meanwhile, expect to get muscle and ceiling down low with Miller back. Last time, Johnson had to carry the load with 32 points and 9 rebounds with only Aldrech Ramos providing support with 14.

“For us to bounce back, we have to play with lots of energy and passion,” said Patriots coach Glenn Capacio.