Games Wednesday
(Ynares Center Montalban)
5:15 p.m. – Terrafirma vs Phoenix
7:30 p.m. – San Miguel vs Titan Ultra
BY REYNALD MAGALLON
The red-hot San Miguel Beer aims to continue its ascend to the top of the team standings when it battles Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center Montalban, Wednesday, Nov. 12.
The hottest team in the league with four straight victories after dropping their first two, the Beermen are certainly pegged as the heavy favorites in their 7:30 p.m. clash against the Giant Risers, who, on the other hand, are determined to move up from the bottom of the standings.
Setting the table to that intriguing duel is the clash between Terrafirma and Phoenix – two squads in dire need to stop their respective losing skids – in the first offering at 5:15 p.m.
Although SMB head coach Leo Austria lauded his wards for turning things around following their horrendous starts, he reminded the Beermen to not be complacent as any team in the PBA can be dangerous.
“I think yung pride nila nachallenge. If we want to get to the next round we have to win at least three in our last four games. We are lucky nakaapat kami. Yung sense of urgency nila nandoon,” Austria said of the Beermen who took down fellow contender Magnolia Hotshots in a close 94-92 outcome.
“Nandun yung grit nila ayaw nila magpatalo something na we have to develop yung winning attitude,” he added.
But for the multi-titled coach, taking the Giant Risers lightly could only spell trouble for his team as their 2-4 record hardly reflects the caliber of a squad headed by Calvin Abueva and Joshua Munzon.
“Against the Titans, we know that they are out there to win games. But we don’t know yet what will happen in that game because we have to respect every team in the PBA,” stressed Austria.
Titan Ultra should also be well-rested heading to the contest after its supposed game Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, Nov. 9 was washed out by super typhoon ‘Uwan’.
The Beermen, however, remain the benchmark in the all-Filipino conference especially with nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo leading the crew.
Then, there are also the likes of CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, Don Trollano and Juami Tiongson all capable of exploding on any given night.
For the Giant Risers to be competitive, guys like Fran Yu, Von Pessumal, Aris Dionisio and Damie Cuntapay should be able to contribute.
