SAN MIGUEL Beer is down to just an import when the Beermen tackle the Westports Malaysia Dragons in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) today at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
With Gabe Freeman serving a one-game suspension, the Beermen are expected to lean heavily on their locals in stopping the Dragons, now propped up by a new pair of explosive recruits, in the 4 p.m. encounter.
“We will miss Gabe’s energy, not to mention his production,” San Miguel coach Leo Austria said of Freeman, who averages a team-best 18.29 points and 10.43 rebounds per game.
The Beermen—running second behind defending champion Indonesia at 4-3—will also try to avenge a road-game loss to the Dragons, 76-82, two weeks ago where Malaysia unveiled a formidable import tandem in Sammy Monroe and Justin Melton.
“Consistency remains to be our main concern,” said Austria of his Beermen, who have yet to win back-to-back games this season. “But we have more than enough time to pull our acts together.”
Chris Banchero starred anew last Sunday as the Filipino-Italian guard came away with 16 points, five assists and four steals in leading the Beermen to a 66-55 triumph over the Singapore Slingers.
It was in the same game where Freeman figured in a scuffle and was slapped with a one-game ban for “unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary and excessive physical contact.”
Adding to the Beermen’s woes is the absence of backup big man Eric Menk, who just underwent a nasal bone operation.
“We have to make do with what we have and rely on Matt (Rogers) and the rest of the locals to carry us through,” said Austria.
Rogers, who replaced injured import Brian Williams, had an uninspiring debut of eight points and four rebounds against the Slingers.
Expected to step up for the Beermen are Asi Taulava, Leo Avenido, RJ Rizada, Paolo Hubalde and JR Cawaling.