Unscathed Beermen favored vs Thais in ABL semis

MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten in the last 16 games, San Miguel Beer sets out as the solid favorites when it clashes with Sports Rev Thailand in the semifinal round starting tomorrow at Ynares Gym in Antipolo.

But SMB coach Leo Austria would be the first to say it’s an altogether different game now. One misstep and their 16-match streak, though a remarkable feat in itself, would turn meaningless in the end.

“Going to the semifinals is a different ball game. All the records will be put into waste, we’re back to zero. We need to work really, really hard to beat Thailand,” Austria said during yesterday’s PSA Forum.

The Beermen host the Slammers for Game One tomorrow.

San Miguel hasn’t dropped a game since February and to make sure the Beermen wouldn’t lull into complacency, Austria is constantly reminding them to stay focused on the ultimate goal.

“The 16-game winning streak is not a guarantee that we’ll win the championship so we have to refocus our team (for the playoffs),” said the SMB mentor.

“The most important thing is to win the championship,” said veteran Asi Taulava, whom Austria had described as a “40-year-old playing like he were half his age.” 

“Our win streak won’t mean anything is we don’t finish the season with the championship,” he added.

Taulava joins imports Brian Williams and Justin Williams in a feared triumvirate that makes life miserable for opponents inside the paint.

Top point guard Chris Banchero, who missed the Beermen’s last six games due to quadriceps injury, is raring to return to active duty to set the plays and help his team achieve its goal.

“I’m 100 percent healed now. I’m ready to go,” declared Banchero.

Although they swept the Joe Bryant-coached Slammers in four meetings in the elims, the Beermen wouldn’t write off the Thai team that easily.

“In my opinion, Thailand is the hardest team we’ve played all season. All our four games with them were tough. They’ve got a great coach and even though they’re not as talented as Malaysia, they really play hard and play the best defense. It’s not going to be a walk in the park,” said Williams.