PBA: Well-prepared and rested, Hong Kong tops San Miguel anew

Hong Kong Eastern against San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Hong Kong Eastern guard Glen Yang said preparation was a big factor in toppling San Miguel Beer for a second consecutive time on Sunday.

Hong Kong repeated over the Beermen, 99-91, in overtime in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup just four nights after beating the same squad in the East Asia Super League in Wan Chai.

Yang added the absence of travel allowed Hong Kong to feel more rested heading into their rematch with San Miguel despite playing in their third game in five nights.

READ: PBA: Hong Kong nips San Miguel in OT

“The travel schedule got to us last game, it’s no excuse but we definitely felt it and you saw that on the defensive end. Our coaches put up the game we played against San Miguel last time and they showed us our defense,” said Yang.

“They showed what we were capable of. we knew we were going to bring it tonight, yesterday we got a bit more rest and I think we showed more of who we really are tonight.”

Eastern was coming off a 120-113 loss to league-leading NorthPort on Friday.

Yang powered Hong Kong against San Miguel with 26 points, highlighted by four 3-pointers.

READ: PBA: Arvin Tolentino drops 36 as NorthPort beats Hong Kong

“It’s not easy to beat any team twice in a row, especially San Miguel, which is a very good team,” said Hong Kong coach Mensur Bajramovic, whose squad turned back SMB, 71-62, in the EASL.

“My players are tired for sure. It was obvious in the last game when we lost but we have analyzed this game and they showed good reaction,” he added.