Playoffs-bound Beermen, Dragons collide

THE SAN Miguel Beermen go through a tough warmup for the Asean Basketball League playoffs today when they tangle with the Westport Malaysia Dragons in Kuala Lumpur.

The Beermen are actually gunning for a 16th straight win against the Dragons, who are also bound for the playoffs as the No. 3 seed.

San Miguel will go up against No. 4 seed Sports Rev Thailand Slammers in the semifinals starting May 23. The Dragons will face the Indonesia Warriors on May 24.

Despite the no-bearing nature of the clash, San Miguel coach Leo Austria expects no let-up from his squad.

“I still think we still have to play with a lot of passion and always play to win,” said Austria, who has been getting the best out of a rejuvenated Asi Taulava this season.

The veteran Taulava has been an inspiring figure for the Beermen, not only with his offense but also his work on the defensive end.

San Miguel is still missing the injured Chris Banchero, but Leo Avenido and Paolo Hubalde have proven solid in filling up for his top perimeter player.

Dragons coach Ariel Vanguardia said he will use the game to fine-tune his team before the postseason. With a report from Nicolo Pascual