Games Today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – NLEX vs Meralco
7 p.m. – San Miguel vs Alaska
After his team’s latest setback, there is now a bit of concern for San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria when his team meets Alaska in the PBA Governors’ Cup today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
SMB lost to an inspired Globalport team that has momentum from a previous win.
The scenario is similar as the Beermen tackle the Aces, a team motivated from its latest win that snapped a three-game skid and are eyeing to improve their own bid for a playoff berth.
“Alaska has momentum after winning their last game, similar to when we played Globalport,” said Austria yesterday. “So we know this will be a tough game, a very crucial game against Alaska.”
“But we’re ready to play Alaska. We’ve moved on from our loss against Gloabalport… we’re ready to play. It’s going to be tough, as I’ve said, but we are prepared,” added Austria.
The game between San Miguel and Alaska is scheduled at 7 p.m. The firsts game will pit NLEX against Meralco at 4:15 p.m.
Fresh from an 82-81 victory opposite Mahindra, the Road Warriors aim for their third straight win against the Bolts, a team that is shooting for its fifth win in eight matches this conference.
The match pitting SMB and Alaska is a rematch of last year’s conference championship series, where the Beermen swept the Aces, 4-0, in their seven-game titular showdown.
This conference, San Miguel is currently at fourth spot with a 4-2 record – losing previously to Globalport, 92-98, as Batang Pier carried over their momentum from a 126-123 double overtime win against the Bolts following a 0-4 start.
That concerns Austria since Alaska is fresh from an impressive 85-69 triumph opposite Star in the Petron Saturday Special in Panabo City, Davao del Norte that ended a three-game skid and improved its record to 2-4.
Another worry for San Miguel is the injuries to several players, including its import AZ Reid, who injured his right foot (Achilles) in their game against Batang Pier.