BEERMEN, ACES DISPUTE SOLO LEAD
San Miguel Beer and Alaska, the only unbeaten teams through the first two weeks of PBA Season 40, meet in a much-anticipated faceoff, disputing the solo lead in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
Both are hot on a three-zero run going into the match set at 7 p.m.
San Miguel Beer rolled past Rain or Shine, Purefoods Star and Barako Bull while Alaska claimed stirring wins over Purefoods, Talk n Text and Meralco prior to their interesting showdown.
The difference was that the Aces were devastatingly well while the Beermen were a bit sluggish in their last outings.
Alaska massacred Meralco, 105-64, while San Miguel took a while before getting into the groove and subsequently beating Barako, 103-89.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria said his team might already have had the Aces in mind then.
Austria is impressed with Alaska but, at the same time, is positive of their chance against the Aces.
“We can beat any team for as long as masunod yung game plan namin,” said Austria, adding Calvin Abueva would be their main concern.
Definitely, it would help the Beermen if Rico Maierhofer and Doug Kramer are able to return from injuries.
The most anticipated individual match-up is that of forwards Abueva and Arwind Santos, though.
Both are off to a swashbuckling start in the season. The two sport almost identical numbers with Santos averaging 19 points and nine rebounds while Abueva norming 19 markers and 9.33 boards.
“He’s our leader, he’s our captain ball and he wants to win,” said Austria of Santos. “Anytime magkaroon kami ng problema he’s there. Mukhang inspired na inspired siya eh.”
Abueva has been the same with the Aces.
Calvin Abueva beat the buzzer with a game-winning teardrop shot to cap a monstrous 20-20 game as Alaska eked out a 100-98 nail-biter over Talk n Text.
Abueva came through with career-best 26 points and 22 rebounds and himself preserved his superb effort in shattering a deadlock with a shot over Larry Fonacier at the buzzer.
“He’s a Tazmanian Devil,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton of Abueva. “He gives us something. He’s amazing in getting the ball. Calvin helps get the ball for you.” (SB)
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