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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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04
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27
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
27
2024
If ever, San Miguel Beer would be the first team in recent memory to take an ignominious exit in a tourney right after a championship run.
This tremendous downfall now looks inevitable for the Philippine Cup champs as they languish in the cellar with just a win to show heading to the homestretch of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.
At 1-6, the Beermen must sweep their last four games to have a chance at salvaging a berth in the eight-team quarterfinals.
They start the uphill climb in taking on the Barako Bull Energy at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum – the last playdate prior to the PBA All-Star Weekend in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
Reeling with a sixth loss after an overtime battle with the Purefoods Star Hotshots Sunday, the Beermen try to stay positive.
They promise to fight until the fight is not yet over.
“For as long as we have a chance, we’ll be there fighting,” said Marcio Lassiter.
“Ang mahalaga isalba muna namin ang last slot sa quarterfinals. Pagdating doon, tingin ko may tsansa kaming talunin sino man yong may twice-to-beat advantage na kalaban namin,” said Arwind Santos.
Coach Leo Austria sees some positives in their game against Purefoods where they fought back from 17 points down to force overtime.
“I’m happy to see them display the game that we had during the first conference. Hindi nga lang nakumpleto yung rally,” said Austria.
The SMB coach, nonetheless, insists there’s something in that game that they could build on in an effort to avert early elimination.
“We still have a chance and you can never know what will happen,” Austria said.
One loss, however, and the Beermen take an ignominious exit, fading into oblivion in a short period after their glorious ride in the Philippine Cup.
Up against Barako Bull, Rain or Shine, Talk n Text and GlobalPort in their last four games, the Beermen said they would take it one game at a time.
Versus Barako Bull, the Beermen are up against a team that has also gone on a slump, losing three of their last four games against Talk n Text, GlobalPort and Rain or Shine.
Barako, enjoying a strong start with reliable import Sol Alabi, is in the middle of the chart at 4-3. (SB)
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