NLEX wary of San Miguel bounce back
San Miguel Beer just hit a big bump and must now always be on the lookout for another in this most crucial juncture in the Oppo-PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations.
That explains why NLEX is extra-wary as the Road Warriors and Beermen are set on a head-on collision Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as they try to stoke their respective bid to gain passage into the next round.
A big rebound by SMB from its 84-110 drubbing from Barangay Ginebra just last Sunday would put it right back in the hunt for a top two finish, a spot that carries with it a win-once advantage in the quarterfinals.
Should NLEX notch a third straight win, however, it would be joining the chase for frontrunners Meralco and Alaska.
With his squad still to face dangerous Phoenix and defending champion Tropang TNT SMB coach Leo Austria knows just one slip-up could prove costly.
“Must-win for us. We have to get eight wins in order to avoid any complication,” said Austria following the Ginebra game.
Such a mind-set by SMB would make his team’s task that much harder, according to NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.
“San Miguel coming off a humiliating loss in their last game will come out with lots of energy and effort to get back their winning ways,” noted Fernandez on the eve of the match.
Adding to Fernandez’s concerns is the fact SMB has back in its fold June Mar Fajardo and Ronald Tubid, who have sufficiently recovered from their knee injuries, as well as Arwind Santos, whose mother passed away two weeks ago.
“With a complete lineup San Miguel is tough to beat, but we are ready,” said Fernandez. “If we can limit the offensive production of (Tyler) Wilkerson, (Marcio) Lassiter, Santos, Fajardo, (Alex) Cabagnot, just to name a few, and stay close we will have a chance of stealing the game.
“Our defense will be crucial tomorrow.”
Making the much-needed stops is also what Austria has got planned.
“If there’s one thing we need to do consistently, it’s to play good, honest defense,” stressed Austria. “If we can do that our offense will surely follow.”
Focus of that defense would include the likes of Sean Anthony, Asi Taulava, Kevin Alas and Jonas Villanueva, but primarily aimed at Al Thornton, who is averaging 32 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.
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