SMB EYES TOP SEEDING Beermen out to protect clean slate vs NLEX
Games Sunday (Philsports Arena)
3 p.m. – Magnolia vs Meralco 6:15 p.m. – San Miguel vs NLEX
San Miguel looks to formally clinch the top seeding when it takes on NLEX in the 204 PBA Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday, April 28.
The Beermen, which became the first team to go 8-0 in a conference in a decade, can secure the top spot in the standings and the twice-to-beat advantage should they pick up their ninth win against the Road Warriors in the 6:15 p.m affair.
NLEX, though, surely won’t just roll over and die against SMB, especially that it also badly needs a win to stay in the race for the Top 2 spot and the twice-to-beat armor.
Currently in the third spot with a 5-3 record, the Road Warriors should be motivated not only to become the first team to tarnish the Beermen’s pristine record but also snap a two-game slide and close the gap between them and the secondrunning Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.
Also looking to do the same is Magnolia, which also totes a similar 5-3 slate, when it clashes with playoff-seeking Meralco at 3 p.m.
The Bolts are looking to solidify their hold of the eighth spot while the Hotshots are also eyeing to remain in contention for the playoff bonus.
SMB head coach Jorge Gallent admitted that it eased some pressure that the Beermen won against the Hotshots last Friday, April 26, giving them an inside track for the twice-to-beat advantage.
He, however, remained wary of NLEX as it is also a team gunning for the playoff bonus.
“As I said before the game against Magnolia, this is also a team that is going for the twice-to-beat advantage. It’s good that we won, and we now have one foot in there,” said Gallent.
There’s simply no signs of slowing down for the juggernaut that is SMB, with all of their gunners clicking from deep even when June Mar Fajardo is having an off-night.
That had been the case in the last three wins for the Beermen with guys like Marcio Lassiter, CJ Perez, and last game, Chris Ross doing all the damage from distance.
NLEX, though, certainly has the firepower with league scoring leader Robert Bolick spearheading the charge but he will need more from his supporting cast in the likes of Robbie Herndon, Baser Amer and Anthony Semerad if they wish to go toe-to-toe with the mighty SMB.