Beermen, Painters collide
Two teams gunning for a crucial win will try to impress their Cebuano fans as the San Miguel Beermen clash head-on with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in PBA Cebu Road Tour at 5:00 p.m today at the Hoops Dome in Brgy. Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City.
The grand slam-seeking Beermen (6-3) will try to lock the No.4 seeding and a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, while Painters (2-7) are expected to give their all in a bid to keep their playoff hopes alive.
After suffering two straight losses, San Miguel got back on track with a close 99-96 decision over Blackwater Elite.
Beermen outlasted the Elite without their import Dez Wells, who suffered a serious injury in their games against Meralco Bolts last October 27.
SMB coach Leo Austria is not taking any chances as they decided to replace Wells with former Cleveland Cavalier John Holland.
Holland is expected to boost the Beermen’s campaign towards their third straight championship. He previously played for the Cavaliers, averaging 2.3 points and 1.0 rebounds. He also saw action with the Austin Spurs and Canton Charge in the NBA G-League.
Aside from the former NBA standout, the Beermen will also bank on their powerhouse local lineup bannered by five-time MVP JuneMar Fajardo, veteran Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross and Terrence Romeo.
The Caloy Garciamentored Rain or Shine, on the other hand, aims to bounce back after absorbing a 91-111 defeat at the hand of the NLEX Road Warriors last October 30.
A setback against Beermen will erase the Painters’ chance of making it into the final eight. Rain or Shine will rely on their import Richard Ross, Gilas Pilipinas mainstay Gabe Norwood and Beau Belga.
The Painters could also pin their hopes on Jayvee Mocon, Jewel Ponferada and Kris Rosales.