Beermen out to settle score vs sizzling Heat
By Jasmine W. PayoPhilippine Daily Inquirer
San Miguel Beer tries to get back at Saigon in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) today at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Beermen, playing host for the first time this season, aim to make the most out of their homecourt advantage in the 5 p.m. match where the Heat are also vying for a fourth straight victory.
After kicking off the the season with a huge road game win over defending champion Indonesia, 64-53, the Beermen bowed to the Heat, 89-92, in Ho Chi Minh City last Saturday.
San Miguel guard Leo Avenido, the reigning Most Valuable Player, said the Beermen should learn from the loss.
“I’m not worried because we can correct our mistakes earlier,” said Avenido.
American imports Gabe Freeman (16 points) and Brian Williams (14 points and 16 rebounds) paced the Beermen against the Heat, while Eric Menk led the locals with 12 points.
While Saigon’s American reinforcements Dior Lowhorn and David Palmer shone, it was Filipino import Jai Reyes who hurt the Beermen the most with clutch baskets down the stretch.
The setback relegated the Beermen to fourth at 1-1 while the Heat grabbed the lead at 3-1.
“It’s true that the team has talent, but we have to work hard to make great things happen in this league,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria, who’s also relying on Chris Banchero and Asi Taulava.
“We have to follow our game plan to the letter and run our system in order to succeed.”
Admission to the lone match is free. The game will be shown live on Fox Sports Channel with a replay at 8 p.m.
“This is our first home game of the season and we want to show the Filipino fans what San Miguel Beer is made of,” said Austria.
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