Beermen ready to overcome Saigon Heat

Game today (Tan Binh Stadium)

7:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. in Manila) – Saigon Heat vs San Miguel Beer

MANILA, Philippines - A fresh San Miguel Beermen seek their second straight win when they return tonight against Saigon Heat in the fourth Asean Basketball League (ABL) at the Tan Binh Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The Beermen take the floor at 7:30 p.m. (8:30 p.m. in Manila) 15 days since kicking off their campaign with a masterful 64-53 rout of defending champion Indonesia Warriors.

“The break gave us the chance to work on our team chemistry especially with our imports, Brian Williams and Gabe Freeman, “ said SMB coach Leo Austria.

The duo just had 10 days of training (minus the scrimmages) with the Beermen before they played the 2012 champs last Jan. 11.

They took advantage of the lull to get Williams and Freeman more familiar with their teammates and system by playing three import-bannered teams from the PBA.

The Beermen thumped Barako Bull, 97-77, then defeated Ginebra, 102-93, and tripped Petron, 89-82, in the past three weeks before flying to the Vietnamese capital for tonight’s match.

“We still have to strengthen our defense and our offense will flow from there. Likewise, we have to develop our cohesiveness; there were times in the game against Indonesia when the extra passes didn’t come,” said Austria.

He also expects veterans Asi Taulava and Erik Menk to be a lot more adjusted to the brand of play in the ABL and their teammates led by Chris Bancero, Leo Avenido and RJ Rizada.

The Saigon Heat are riding the crest of a two-game win streak. After dropping a 70-80 loss to Malaysia Dragons, the Heat have bounced back with a 77-75 squeaker over Chang Thailand Slammers, and a 77-72 upset of the Warriors.