MANILA, Philippines—The San Miguel Beermen return to the comforts of home as they try to rebound against the dangerous Bangkok Cobras today in the Asean Basketball League at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Gametime is 6 p.m. with the Beermen hoping to rediscover their lethal form after a stinging 63-71 road loss to the Singapore Slingers last Wednesday.
The Beermen actually fought back from 16 points down to tie the game at 59 before losing steam and falling to their second loss in four games, in a tie with the Cobras in fourth spot.
“It’s hard with all the travelling,” said Beermen coach Bobby Parks. “Hopefully, this home game will help us get our bearings back.”
A new team in the ABL just like the Beermen, the Cobras posted a stunning 73-70 win over erstwhile unbeaten KL Westport Dragons.
But the Cobras’ recent visit to Manila was something they would rather forget as they took a 58-86 blowout loss to the AirAsia Philippine Patriots.
The Cobras-Beermen tussle will be televised live over Star Sports/ESPN.
Parks is looking for more production from his local crew after imports Dalron Johnson and Doug Thomas, along with top local Froilan Baguion, combined for all but 19 of their points against the Slingers.
Johnson, who pumped in 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, will be matched up against Cobras import Michael Earl, who led Bangkok with 20 points against the Dragons.
Leo Avenido and Benedict Fernandez aim to bounce back from atrocious 2-of-16 shooting the last time out. Parks said the Beermen’s slow start last Wednesday did them in.