SMB recalls top imports vs Indons

Game today (Tennis Indoor Senayan, Indonesia)

7 p.m. (8 p.m. in Manila) – Indonesia Warriors vs San Miguel Beermen

MANILA, Philippines -San Miguel Beer brings back Gabe Freeman and Brian Williams to the fold as they seek to end the hot streak of defending champion Indonesia tonight in the Asean Basketball League at Tennis Indoor Senayan in Indonesia. 

Freeman returns from a one-game suspension while Williams checks back in after a knee injury, boosting the Beermen (5-3) roster in the 7 p.m. (8 p.m. in Manila) road game against the Warriors (7-2), who are unbeaten in their last seven games.

“Gabe is well-rested and will be a big help tonight,” coach Leo Austria said of the 6-foot-6 Freeman, who sat out SMB’s 77-66 victory over the Westports Malaysia Dragons over the weekend for his “excessive action” in a previous 66-55 win over Jobstreet.com Singapore Slingers.

Williams is reactivated after two weeks in the injured list, taking back the slot that was filled in by Matt Rogers for two games. Rogers fired 21 points on six-of-eight shooting from the field and seven-of-nine from the line against Malaysia, with 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks, to lead SMB to its first back-to-back win this season.

Reigning league MVP Leo Avenido, however, will sit it out due to a sprained ankle, joining Erik Menk (franctured nose) in sick bay.

Austria expects the rest of the crew, led by Chris Banchero and Asi Taulava to step up.