MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel copped its 11th straight victory on Wednesday night, but not without bucking a scare first.
The Beermen made crucial baskets in the last three minutes and nipped Thailand Slammers on the road, 78-70, to continue its streak in the 4th Asean Basketball League in Bangkok.
Asi Taulava scored back-to-back buckets to put San Miguel ahead for good after 64-all stalemate, before stops from Justin Williams and markers from Paulo Hubalde sealed the win.
The veteran center pulled off another vintage performance as Taulava wound up with 18 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Hubalde stepped up with 14 points.
Star guard Chris Banchero, whose consistent showing led the Beermen early this season, is out for 2-3 weeks with quadriceps tendon tear.
San Miguel shoots for a dozen on Saturday versus visiting Saigon Heat at the Ynares Sports Arena Pasig.