Beermen target 16th vs Dragons

Game tonight (MABA Stadium)

8 p.m. – Westports Malaysia Dragons vs San Miguel Beermen

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer seeks to stretch its amazing run before heading to the Asean Basketball League playoffs as it tackles Westports Malaysia in its last eliminations assignment tonight at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

The Beermen (18-3) gun for their 16th straight victory in the 8 p.m. road game against the Dragons (12-8), interestingly the same team responsible for handing SMB its last loss (76-82) in the same venue last Feb. 16).

“It feels good to just keep on winning. We are looking forward to the Malaysia game since it allows us to gauge our team and individual improvement in time for the playoffs,” said SMB coach Leo Austria, whose wards had secured the top seed in the semifinals and are scheduled to face Sports Rev Thailand Slammers in the best-of-five semis beginning May 23.

The Beermen are riding the crest of the longest winning streak in the league.

“We will never let our guard down. We will keep the streak running as long as we can and I am confident we can do that,” Austria said.

Chris Banchero, SMB’s ace gunner who has missed their last five outings due to torn tendon on his left quadriceps, has been cleared by doctors and is expected to return to active duty in the semis. But Austria said he wouldn’t give the Fil-Italian that much burden so soon.

“If we can keep the winning streak going and beat Thailand without much opposition in the semifinals, I just might reserve Chris and use him sparingly to give him a feel of the game first,” said Austria.