SMB to try new combos

With a lighter foe up on Wednesday for in-tune powerhouse San Miguel Beer, coach Leo Austria will again be trying out some combinations to not only extend a three-game winning streak but also give his reserves more confidence for the rest of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Flaunting mean form by dispatching of formidable enemies, the Beermen have earned the luxury of giving their solid core a little rest against Mahindra in the 4:15 p.m. contest at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay to keep them fresher for the elimination round homestretch.

“Coaches are still trying to find ways to use everybody and give the second group some confidence,” said Austria, who played third-string guard Brian Heruela extensively against Star on Sunday in a 103-97 victory.

“Hopefully, with these next two games that we have this week, it will be good for us going to the All-Star break with us getting used to each other,” Austria said.

The Floodbuster are at 1-5 and are in dire need of victories to pump up their playoff drive.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra will also play its fourth game Wednesday in battling winless NLEX in the 7 p.m. contest.

While the Beermen have gone undefeated, the Gin Kings are at 2-1 but are still installed as the solid picks to add to the Road Warriors’ woes.

The Road Warriors are at 0-6 with coach Yeng Guiao even pondering on getting himself crucified in order to lead NLEX to the win column.

In a related development, Phoenix Petroleum assistant coach Nic Belasco was fined P40,000 and Rain or Shine import Shawn Taggart P30,000 for figuring in a post-game scuffle last Wednesday.