Tough task ahead as Barako takes on San Miguel

Can Barako Bull make it three in a row?

One of the biggest surprises in the 2016 Smart PBA Philippine Cup, the Energy look to rack up another victory to hike their respectable 3-2 record.

Coming off a 93-85 victory over Mahindra last Tuesday, coach Koy Banal is enjoying the luxury of having motivated players ready to step up in any given moment.

May it be JC Intal, Josh Urbiztondo, or RR Garcia, who was the star in Barako Bull’s last game, his wards have shown the readiness to deliver when it’s their turn to take the spotlight.

“The reminder is just to keep going, keep on working hard, keep doing the things that we’re doing from day one, and that is working hard in practice. That is Barako Bull’s way,” Banal said. “If we will put all our effort day-in and day-out, not only in games but in practice, sky’s the limit.”

However, sustaining that run is going to be a tall task against defending Philippine Cup champs San Miguel. Game time is at 3 p.m. at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Beermen are coming off of a 100-82 thumping of Ginebra, where June Mar Fajardo dominated his Gin Kings counterpart Greg Slaughter in the much-awaited duel.

Posting 22 points, 14 rebounds, two steals, and one assist, the two-time MVP is still improving, to the delight of coach Leo Austria.

“It’s one of June Mar’s best games and I’m happy na nagma-mature sya. But I told him that this is not your fight, this is our fight,” the coach said.

The Beermen shoots to claim solo hold of the top seed anew as two other teams currently hold the piece of the no 1. with Alaska and Rain or Shine also holding 4-1 cards.

But Banal and Barako Bull are still hopeful that the Energy can pull off another shocker.

“Iron sharpens iron, and everyone has to help each other,” said the soft-spoken mentor.

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