San Miguel looking to bounce back vs GlobalPort

Three weeks after ruling the Philippine Cup on a record comeback, the San Miguel Beermen could well be ready to get back to work already.

With a wakeup call in the form of a 96-102 upset by the Mahindra Enforcers in Binan, Laguna Saturday, the Beermen are expected to be on their toes as they tangle with the Globalport Batang Pier in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.

The Batang Pier will be chasing a third straight win after back-to-back triumphs over elite teams Barangay Ginebra and Tropang TNT.

Globalport weathered a fourth-quarter storm by an all-Filipino Tropang TNT side and roared to a second consecutive victory with a 108-101 drubbing of the Texters on Feb. 19.

Returning import Calvin Warner complemented the super backcourt duo of Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle as they scored a follow-up on their earlier win over the Gin Kings.

“It feels great. I love the Philippines so it’s good to be back. I just tried to fight for my team and give them all I could give today,” said Warner after a solid job virtually straight from the airport.

“I have to salute Warner. Nagtrabaho ng husto kahit na galing sa 30-hour flight from Dominican Republic at 8 a.m. (Friday) dumating,” said Globalport coach Pido Jarencio.

“Nagkaamuyan agad yung import at mga locals. The locals did their share,” Jarencio also said.

Jarencio, however, is realistic they have to step up even more if they’re to upset the Beermen.

San Miguel Beer is a team Globalport has beaten just once since joining the league in 2012.

“Kailangan mas doble pukpok,” said Jarencio.

Tyrel Wilkerson had a decent debut as SMB import, delivering 29 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steak in 43 minutes versus Mahindra.

Championship hangover, however, obviously weighed down on the Beermen then.

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