Streakin’ Beermen eye No. 7 against Slingers

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer hopes to keep going as it shoots for a seventh win in row when it hosts Singapore today in the Asean Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

The roll put the Beermen (9-3) just two games behind the league-leading Indonesia Warriors (11-3) and perhaps closer with another victory over the Slingers in their 4 p.m. clash.

The Beermen have beaten the Slingers thrice this season, posting a 66-55 win in their first meeting, scoring a 73-53 rout in the next before scrambling for a 68-61 victory the last time out.

“I’ve had my doubts before when we were struggling early in the season, but I think we have gotten into the groove with the winning streak. The aim is to sustain it but also make sure that all the players are on top of their games come June,” said SMB coach Leo Austria.

“So we are getting better each game and I’m happy with what I see so far. It will be nice to say that we are the best team in the league, but we want to be the best team by June,” added Austria, referring to Indonesia coach Todd Purves’ recent remarks about the Beermen.

Austria said the Beermen were definitely the best team offensively at the start of the season, but slowly made the transition to be a tough defensive team as well.

The Beermen have limited opponents in the vicinity of 60 points in five of their six straight wins.

“We will go very far if we continue to put emphasis on defense,” said Austria.

Three of the Beermen’s recent wins came with Justin Williams on board. Although not a serious scoring threat, the former PBA import is a tough defender along with Asi Taulava and Brian Williams.

Williams only had six points, five rebounds and three blocks in their last victory over the Slingers but had been the team’s main defensive weapon. Taulava had three blocks while Brian Williams accounted for two in that game.

Chris Banchero, who had 19 points and six assists in that game, is again expected to lead the team along with Leo Avenido, Val Acuna, JR Cawaling and RJ Rizada.

Singapore will rely on Rashad Jennings, Rashaad Singleton, Philip Morrison and Jun Jun Cabatu.