SHARE OF LEAD FOR SMB
With their auspicious start, one can’t blame coach Leo Austria to be talking this early a little about their chance for an automatic semifinal entry in the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Beermen just rolled over Rain or Shine and Purefoods Star – protagonists in two Finals in PBA Season 39.
“First two games in the season, and we beat two teams that clashed in two Finals last year. It’s an indication our team is on the right track,” said Austria moments after his team made it two in a row with an 87-80 whipping of the Hotshots Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
On Tuesday, the Beermen debuted in PBA Season 40 with an 87-79 victory over the Elasto Painters.
“Right now, we know that Purefoods and Rain or Shine are not yet in top form. Nonetheless, our wins against them should boost our morale,” said Austria.
“We’re planning to continue to improve and be better. We want to finish No. 1 or No. 2 which will give us automatic entry into the semis,” Austria also said.
He’s happy with the poise and toughness his team is showing at endgame.
“It’s very important since it’s a balanced league. It will always come down to a last shot or last possession. Lamang ka kung maganda ang composure mo sa endgame,” he said.
Against Purefoods, the Beermen found it a bit easier with the Hotshots playing minus James Yap, Ian Sangalang and Marc Pingris.
Yap is sidelined by a strained calf, Sangalang is out for the conference with an ACL injury while Pingris is still on vacation, having spent the offseason with Gilas Pilipinas in the World Cup and in the Asian Games.
San Miguel shrugged off the challenge of the crippled but gritty Purefoods side and drew level with Barangay Ginebra atop the heap at 2-0.
June Mar Fajardo delivered 22 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks while Ronald Tubid, Arwind Santos and Sol Mercado contributed a combined output of 42 points as the Beermen handed the Hotshots a second straight loss.
Fajardo, Santos and Chris Lutz struck with clutch shots as Purefoods came to within four at 76-80 after trailing by 19 at 37-56.
PJ Simon, Yousef Taha, Mark Barroca and Joe Devance carried the fight for Purefoods with each one firing away at least 11 points each.(SB)
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