SMB targets outright QF berth

UNBEATEN San Miguel Beer wants an outright quarterfinal berth when it battles Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at 6:45 p.m. tonight in Season 44 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen are eyeing their fifth consecutive win after escaping Magnolia, 90-89, last Friday.

San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria cautioned his wards to expect an all- out fight against the Gin Kings who suffered two straight losses last week.

In their previous game in Dubai last week, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel squandered a 28-point lead en route to losing to Northern Luzon Expressway, 111-113, in overtime.

“I’m sure coming from a loss in Dubai, and considering they have a lot of time to prepare — I think five days prior to Sunday’s game — so we are expecting a lot of energy from them,” said Austria. “Ginebra is always a contender and they are well-prepared but I’m banking on the pride of my players.”

The Gin Kings will be relying anew on Justin Brownlee who posted a triple- double performance of 42 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists plus four blocks in their game against the Road Warriors.

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine (1-4) will attempt to snap a three- game losing skid when it faces winless Alaska (0-5) in the 4:30 p.m. first game.

“We know Alaska is getting better. We lost only by one possession last game so we have to find ways to finish the game. Every team is dangerous and you can’t look at the standings. It’s about winning the games in the end,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.