Beermen rebound eyed vs Slammers

MANILA, Philippines - After a disappointing setback over the weekend, San Miguel Beer seeks to regain its old fiery form tonight as it battles Chang Thailand in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) at the Nimbutr Stadium in Thailand. 

The Beermen blew a double-digit lead in a stinging 96-98 overtime loss to the Indonesia Warriors at home to drop to 2-2.

But SMB coach Leo Austria expects his wards to redeem themselves from that setback as they play the Slammers (2-3).

“My team is full of veterans and we’ve learned a few lessons from that loss and we have to move on,” said Austria, who also reiterated the importance of playing consistently aggressive, especially on defense.

This will be the first time for the Beermen and the Slammers to face off this season. The Slammers are expected to be a tough opponent as they enjoy not only homecourt edge but also momentum from their two-game streak (65-62 over the Singapore Slingers and 77-65 over the Malaysia Dragons).  They will also have former SMB players Froilan Baguion and Benedict Fernandez, who are somehow familiar with the Beermen’s system.

Baguion had sparked the Slammers’ fightback from double-digit deficits in that win over the Dragons and is expected to again provide leadership against his former team. Import Chris Charles proved unstoppable against Malaysia, coming away with 29 points and 27 rebounds, making him a marked man for Brian Williams, Gabe Freeman, Asi Taulava, Erik Menk and the rest of the SMB defenders.

“We executed very well and we played smart basketball (versus Malaysia). Chris did a great job rebounding the ball and we also have a great point guard in Froilan,” said Slammers coach Joe Bryant after their win. 

Manpower-wise, the Beermen enjoy the edge but then again, Austria pointed out, the game is not won on paper alone.

“We are a talented team but we cannot allow the other team to outwork us. That’s the story behind our two losses in this tournament so we have to adjust,”said Austria, whose wards have shown the tendency to play excellent ball one game and lulling into complacency the next.