Beermen not taking 1-4 Batang Pier for granted
San Miguel Beer and Globalport, both victorious in an epic double double-overtime showdowns Sunday, face off Friday in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the former out to inch closer to the playoffs while the latter is determined to build on its initial win.
The Beermen and the Batang Pier clash at 7 p.m., both expected to come out strong as they have gotten ample rest after their punishing grinds the last time out.
San Miguel outlasted Barangay Ginebra, 111-105, in their double OT duel while Globalport survived Meralco, 126-123, in their own marathon 58-minute battle.
That’s a fourth win in five games for coach Leo Austria and his chargers. Another win will push them to threshold of the playoff round of the tourney that they won over the Alaska Milk Aces last year.
The Batang Pier, meanwhile, barely broke into the win-column with their Sunday triumph. At 1-4, they’re tied with Alaska and Star at ninth place, a full game adrift eighth placer Phoenix Petroleum (2-3).
“We have a new system and we’ve done a lot of adjustments. Finally, it worked and hopefully it continues to work,” said Globalport coach Johnedel Cardel.
After their breakthrough win, the Batang Pier, however, have another tough job ahead versus the Beermen who are lot more dangerous now that top forward Arwind Santos is back in harness.
“I’m happy yung condition ni Arwind nandyan pa rin kahit galing sa injury,” said Austria of the one-time MVP winner who had his contribution in their grind-out win over Ginebra.
“
Actually, ipinakita ng lahat ng players ko na maganda ang kundisyon nila. They’re all in great shape and credit to them,” Austria also said.
But even with Globalport at 1-4, Austria isn’t taking them for granted.
“Mukhang nakuha na nila yung import na perfect fit sa kanila. Hindi sila pwedeng balewalain,” said Austria.
Mike Glover, the import sub to Dominique Sutton, produced 26 points, 16 rebounds and five assists to help the Batang Pier past Meralco.
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.