Champ SMB, Magnolia clash in crucial match

DEFENDING champion San Miguel Beer and Magnolia are both keen to bag a crucial win tonight while solo leader Rain or Shine wants to stretch its Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen and the Hotshots, both fresh from impressive victories, meet at 6:45 p.m. while the Elasto Painters face TNT KaTropa in the 4:30 p.m. opening game.

Currently No. 5, San Miguel Beer (6-4 win-loss record) is aiming to post its fourth consecutive win to improve its position in the next round.

“We need to win against Magnolia in our last game because we do not want to be No. 7 or No. 8 because that is a disadvantage. We need to be at No. 3 to No. 6 positions,” explained SMB coach Leo Austria.

A loss to Magnolia means the Beermen will drop to No. 6 or worst No. 7 with a lowest quotient, and they will be pitted against the No. 2 team armed with a twice-to-beat bonus.

23 points, 15 rebounds and two blocked shots in their 115-106 win over Blackwater last Wednesday will lead the Beermen anew with four-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo and import Renaldo Balkman.

- turning import Wayne Chism, is plunging into action with a high morale after a 116-89 triumph against Northern Luzon Expressway also last Wednesday. Chism marked his debut with the Hotshots with 27 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

“We still have a game against San Miguel Beer and it is going to be a do-or-die game again,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “We don’t want it to be complicated. So if we have a chance, we will grab it because that is the game that will secure us a

A loss to the Beermen could result in being eliminated in the race for a playoff match for No. 8.

Despite being assured of the No. 1 spot with a twice-to-beat advantage, Rain or Shine (9-1) will exercise extreme caution against TNT KaTropa (7-3).

“I told the players even though it is a no-bearing game, I don’t want to enter the game creating bad habits. We will treat it as a regular game. I also told them whatever happens, we will play hard,” said Rain or Shine Caloy Garcia, who will rely on import Reggie Johnson.

Alex Cabagnot of San Miguel Beer attempts a lay-up as John Pinto (No. 10) and Henry Walker of the Elite look on during a Season 43 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup game at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.