ABL: Beermen try to turn off Heat in Saigon

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel hopes to do better on the road as the Beermen clash with the Saigon Heat in the Asean Basketball League in Ho Chi Minh City tonight.

After dropping two of their first three road assignments, the Beermen try to stay focused even if they’re favored to pick up their fourth triumph over the winless Heat.

“It’s much harder to play on the road than it is at home,” said Parks. “I think some our guys tend to lose focus. So one thing I’ve learned in this league is not to take any team lightly, especially when they are playing in their homecourt.”

The Beermen, running third at 3-2, vie for a share of second in the 7 p.m. (8 p.m. Manila time) duel at the Tan Binh Stadium in Vietnam’s largest city.

Over in Singapore, the AirAsia Philippine Patriots (4-1) aim to keep the solo lead against the Singapore Slingers tomorrow night.

Parks said the Beermen need to be wary of Saigon’s explosive American import Julius Hodge, the former NBA cager who leads the league in scoring at 25.4 points a game.

“We have to do a good job on him,” said Parks. “He leads in scoring so we definitely have to limit him.”

The Beermen, who had a balanced charge in their 94-59 rout of the Bangkok Cobras last week, hope to have more of the same with imports Doug Thomas and Dalron Johnson and locals June Mar Fajardo, Froilan Baguion, Leo Avenido and RJ Rizada.

“That’s what I’ve been telling them, to make the extra passes,” said Parks, noting the Beermen’s 26 assists. “But we still want to do better offensively and cut down on turnovers and fouls. All of our big men got into foul trouble in the last game.”