Banchero to boost Beermen semis bid vs Thais

MANILA, Philippines - Top seed San Miguel Beer hopes to carry its amazing win-streak from the elims over into the playoffs as it guns for the headstart against semifinal rival Sports Rev Thailand tonight in the Asean Basketball League at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Victorious in the last 16 games and finishing the elims with a league-best 19-3 record, the Beermen look to sustain their fiery run in the semis opener at 8 p.m. 

“What we got in the elims, based on past experience, doesn’t really matter now. We’re back to zero, it’s a best-of-five right now and we have to prepare to play San Miguel basketball and try to get Game One,” said veteran Asi Taulava, a vital cog in SMB’s frontline alongside imports Brian Williams and Justin WIlliams.

The triple tower’s exploits inside will be complemented by a solid backcourt, especially with Fil-Italian ace Chris Banchero back from sick bay.

Banchero sat out SMB’s last five games due to torn tendon on his left quadriceps and his return means added ammo for the team which will miss RJ Rizada for six weeks due to MCL.

“It’s like he (Banchero) never left and he never had an injury. He is moving well. I plan to use him off the bench and for a few minutes at first to give him a feel of the game. He might just get too eager so I need to set the right timing for him,” said coach Leo Austria. 

Banchero will hook up with either Paolo Hubalde or Jeric Fortuna in the backcourt.“We will most likely use Chris as a two-guard so as to speed up the game and match what Thailand usually does with (Slammers’ Froilan) Baguion and another guard,”Austria said.

Containing ex-Beermen playmaker Baguion, Austria noted, is key to this matchup, aside from the problems posted by Slammers’ import Chris Charles.

“In our three of our four games in the elims, he (Charles) was their top scorer and he’s really our problem,” said Austria. “Fortunately, we were able to contain their point guard (in those games). I believe Froilan is the main man of their team; you slow down Froilan, you stop them.”

Overall, the Beermen feel good about their chances against the Slammers.

“On their best game and on our best game,  I think we’ll have the advantage,” said Austria, counting on his wards’ experience in big games.