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Philippine Cup titlist San Miguel Beer, out for redemption following its early downfall in the second conference, tries to make another step towards a shot at ultimate glory versus Meralco in their quarterfinals matchup in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
As the playoff second seed, San Miguel can make the best-of-five semifinals with a win Saturday or Monday, both set at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen’s struggle after their Philippine Cup title conquest ran all the way to the early part of the Governors’ Cup with back-to-back losses to the Kia Carnival and the Meralco Bolts.
But the Beermen are back on top of their game, finishing second to the Alaska Aces in the elimination round behind an amazing streak of eight straight won ball games.
The Bolts, meanwhile, wound up seventh in the elims after dropping three of their last four games.
An 85-88 loss to the Kia Carnival Wednesday proved to be too costly not just for the ball club but the MVP Group. With Meralco’s setback, sister team Talk n Text dropped out of the playoff picture.
Meralco fought back from a five-point deficit late in regulation play and lived on in the extra period even on the exit of two key players on fouls as the Bolts repulsed the Beermen, 106-95, in their elims tussle on May 9.
Andre Emmett kept Meralco intact on the ouster of Gary David and Reynel Hugnatan on the onset of overtime, with the Bolts import delivering eight of his 31 points in OT.
That game could have gone either way.
And Meralco coach Norman Black says they’re playing a different SMB team in their quarters matchup.
The Bolts are tackling a talent-laden team led by import Arizona Reid with his averages of 27.27 points, 10.45 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.0 steal and BPC and MVP contender June Mar Fajardo with his norms 15.5 points, 12.8 rebounds and 1.36 blocks.
The Bolts also have to contain Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos, Chris Ross and Ronald Tubid if they’re to get a second straight PBA Final Four stint.
San Miguel’s defense, meanwhile, is likely to be focused on Meralco import Andre Emmett who is good for 33.45 points, 10.64 rebounds, 3.82 assists and 2.27 steals an outing. (SB)
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