A DANGEROUS MIX
Barely six days after the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers wrapped up their second conference of the year, they were back on the hard court for a game against Barako Bull Energy, opening day winners over plummeting Meralco.
They held off a tough Barako squad, 76-66, for their first win of the season-ending Governors’ Cup.
There’s a lot going for the current dynasty of the PBA.
I find the Mixers’ focus, determination, mental fortitude an incredible weapon that allows them to hurdle the odds. They look superbly fit in these dog days of a long season. They’ve come from behind and fought their way up from being a low seed to win. That’s toughness.
They drafted well and the newbies are a perfect complement to their veterans who are still at the top of their game. James Yap, Peter June Simon, Marc Pingris, Joe Devance, and Rafi Reavis are the only ones with significant mileage in their legs. They have added key pieces to the puzzle over the years from Mark Barroca and Alex Mallari and now Ian Sangalang and Justin Melton.
The addition of Allein Maliksi gives them another stud up front. He has a jumper, can play inside the paint and can even put up points in a hurry when needed. And the former UST Growling Tiger chipped in eight points to the effort; fourth best for the night. If he can stay injury free – for that has derailed his pro career thus far – he will be a terrific season-ending pick up for this squad.
And balik-import Marqus Blakely, who helped the squad to the their Governors’ Cup title of the 2013 season that started this championship run is back. The former University of Vermont player handled the rebounding chores with 24 boards while the locals provided the scoring punch. What more when he lights up the scoreboard?
This deadly mix has San Mig Coffee in a unique position to win a coveted Grand Slam. Knowing them, they are taking this one game at a time. Just the way head coach Tim Cone likes it.
Looking at their Governors’ Cup opening win against Barako Bull Energy, the Mixers got contributions from all 11 players sent into the match by Cone. That’s deadly if you ask me.
With this conference being shorter, that augurs well for San Mig Coffee as they’ll be able to conserve and prepare themselves for this historic run.
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