Games today
Araneta Coliseum
4:15 p.m.- Meralco vs. Barako Bull
7:00 p.m.- San Miguel vs. Rain or Shine
FOLLOWING a championship finish in the Philippine Cup, the San Miguel Beermen were supposed to be one of the top contenders in the Commissioner’s Cup.
But with a few games left in the elimination round of the import-laden conference, the Beermen have only been a shadow of their old lethal selves.
With their playoff hopes now hanging by a thread, the Beermen find themselves in a must-win situation against a formidable foe as they take on the streaking Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the main game of tonight’s twin-bill at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen are in danger of missing the playoffs as they are mired at the 11th spot of the team standings with just two wins after eight games.
The Beermen chalked up a much-needed win the last time out as they blasted the Barako Bull Energy Colas, 102-91, despite the early exit of top center June Mar Fajardo from a sprained ankle.
San Miguel head coach Leo Austria revealed Arwind Santos initiated a meeting between players prior to the game.
“Nag-meeting sila to thresh out the problem. Ayaw nilang umabot sila sa blaming game,” Austria said.
Santos was superb in that game as he finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
“I’m happy with what the guys showed. Actually, whether we’re still in or out, yun ang gusto kong ibigay nila because we’re professionals and that’s what the fans deserve from us,” Austria said.
A big challenge for the Beermen is Rain or Shine, currently the hottest team in the league.
Winner of three straight games, the Elasto Painters are tied with the Meralco Bolts at second spot with similar 5-2 slates, just a half-game behind the league-leading Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, who are 6-2.
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