SMB, Meralco dispute early lead
Reigning PBA Philippine Cup threepeat champ San Miguel Beer and Governors Cup back-to-back finalist Meralco face off in an interesting showdown to headline the penultimate play date of the pro league this year at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
Before heading to their holiday break, the Beermen and the Bolts take a shot at a share of the lead with the NLEX Road Warriors (2-0) as they clash at 7 p.m., succeeding the 4:15 tiff between the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Kia Picanto.
The Fuel Masters and the Picanto both look to bounce back from a losing season debut.
The Beermen showed their old awesome form in repulsing the Fuel Masters, 104-96, on opening day while the Bolts went on a rollercoaster ride before eventually fending off the Blackwater Elite, 103-98, on Friday.
But San Miguel is the clear favorite versus Meralco with its lethal core group led by June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter.
The Bolts, however, vow to come out fighting, though, they are underdogs and undermanned minus Ranidel de Ocampo and Cliff Hodge who are both still nursing injuries.
“Going up against San Miguel Beer is always a tough challenge because of their talent and size,” said Meralco coach Norman Black. “Focus will be on trying to defend the paint versus June Mar while also doing a good job of closing out on their shooters. We will still be undermanned but we will be out there fighting to pick up a win,” said Black.
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria, meanwhile, challenges his team to be always on their toes, saying the battle cry of all the teams “is beat San Miguel.”