No stopping mighty Beermen?

Fajardo to cop 6th BPC plum

Game today (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 7 p.m. – San Miguel vs Magnolia Game 1: Magnolia 105, San Miguel 103 Game 2: San Miguel 92, Magnolia 77 Game 3: San Miguel 111, Magnolia 87

With its main man poised to claim a personal milestone, San Miguel Beer is likewise ready to move closer to a fourth straight PBA Philippine Cup crown against Magnolia with its mainstays getting all the support from its shock-troopers.

The Beermen seek to ride the momentum of their lopsided victories in the last two games for a commanding 3-1 lead at the resumption of their best-of-seven title series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Fajardo is expected to receive an unprecedented sixth Best Player of the Conference crown before the 7 p.m. tipoff.

The Beermen will then set out to sustain a dominant run, going for a third straight win following a 92-77 triumph in Game Two then a 111-87 victory in Game Three.

“It’s a series of adjustments, but I think we would be ready on whatever adjustment they would make,” said SMB coach Leo Austria, now more upbeat with the kind of game he’s drawing from his starting unit and his shock-troopers.

“If they (his second group) keep on stepping up, I’m confident we can win every game,” Austria added.

Still, the SMB coach cautions his troops not to let their guard down.

“From the start, the expectation is we would dominate the series. But I must always remind my team and the people that Magnolia is a contender. It’s a matter of time they will attain a winning attitude with their talented lineup and deep bench,” he said.

But Austria has also started utilizing his bench.

Brian Heruela, Matt Rosser and Gabby Espinas were among SMB reserves who made impact in their victories in the last two games.

“More or less, they know their roles or what we need from them. It’s a big help if they do their job,” said Austria. “We saw it in the last game. Gabby Espinas played his best game in the conference. Heruela is getting more confident while Rosser, though not scoring heavily, is helpful with his relentless defense.” Fajardo himself acknowledges the help of their second group. “It would be good if we could do consistently,” he said.

Fajardo’s reminder is that the series is far from over.

“We have to prepare even harder. They surely wouldn’t want to fall in a 1-3 hole,” said the 6-foot-11 Cebuano behemoth.