Games today:
Araneta Coliseum
3:00 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. San Miguel
5:15 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Talk ‘N Text
With San Miguel making a concerted effort of making Cebuano big June Mar Fajardo its first option in running its offense, the Beermen are off to a hot start in the 40th PBA Philippine Cup.
Sustaining the solid start will be the goal when the Beermen collide with the winless Barako Bull Energy Colas in today’s first game at the Araneta Coliseum.
San Miguel is one of the two unbeaten teams in the 12-team field, occupying the solo second place with a 2-0 (win-loss) slate.
The Beermen are looking to tie the Alaska Aces, who lead the standings with a perfect 3-0 card.
San Miguel is looking to hurdle a lowly Barako Bull squad before embarking on a gigantic showdown with Alaska on Wednesday.
San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, however, warned his wards not to overlook Barako Bull, a team which is still searching for its first win.
“Mahirap i-take for granted ang Barako. Kumpleto sila in every position and if you let your guard down sa kanila, malamang sa hindi masilat ka,” Austria told pba.inquirer.net, the league’s official website.
Under Austria, Fajardo has been the team’s main weapon.
The reigning MVP from Pinamungajan town, midwest Cebu, has been churning in big numbers in San Miguel’s fast start as he is averaging 19.0 points and 12.5 rebounds per game.
Apart from Fajardo’s solid plays, San Miguel was also able to jump to a hot start because of its healthy lineup.
“With the team now complete and everybody buying into the system we have put in place, sana hindi na hirap. We certainly need yung improvement na gusto namin, especially against a team like Barako,” said Austria.
The Energy Colas, on the other hand, try to finally win under new head coach Koy Banal.
Barako Bull engaged the Meralco Bolts in a grueling match, forcing two overtime periods before falling, 108-112.
In its second outing against the GlobalPort Batang Pier, Barako Bull clawed back from 12-point deficit before eventually losing, 81-91.
Barako is one of the two teams that have yet to register a win in the season-opening conference. Also winless so far is expansion team
Blackwater Elite, which absorbed three straight defeats to start the tournament.
In the main game, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters target a third straight victory against the tough Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters.
Rain or Shine dropped its opening assignment against San Miguel, 79-87, before winning its next two games albeit against lowly opponents in Blackwater and Kia Sorento.
Talk ‘N Text lost two of its first three games and is coming off a sorry 98-100 loss against Alaska.