SAN Miguel Beer braces for a strong Talk ‘N Text comeback as the Beermen gun for a 2-0 lead in Game Two of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After coasting to a 109-86 victory in Game One of their best-of-seven semifinal series, San Miguel expects a different battle in their 4:15 p.m. meeting with the Tropang Texters.
“We can’t be complacent. Talk ‘N Text for sure will make the necessary adjustments come Game Two especially on June Mar Fajardo,” Beermen Head Coach Leo Austria said.
“They are an experienced team. Their players have championship experience and we know they are very capable of coming back after that big loss,” he added.
Fajardo was unstoppable in the series opener, scoring 23 points on seven-of-12 shooting from the floor. The reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) also grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked two shots in just 27 minutes of action.
Arwind Santos also played big in Game One, hitting 21 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
The former MVP also warned his teammates not to be overconfident after their 23-point romp because their opponents have the tools to fight back.
“One win lang ang nakuha namin. We need four wins to make it to the finals. Kailangang i-sustain pa namin ang energy sa next game,” Santos said. “Alam namin babalik ang Talk ‘N Text sa next game.”
Alex Cabagnot also did well in his return to the San Miguel camp. The lefty guard netted 13 points, six rebounds and six assists in 23 minutes of playing time.
Austria also drew solid minutes from Marcio Lassiter, Chris Lutz and Ronald Tubid in Game One.
The Beermen’s defense was the key in the lopsided win as the Tropang Texters shot just 33 percent from the field (24-of-72) and they were badly beaten in rebounds, 39-56.
Only Ranidel de Ocampo and Danny Seigle hit double figures in scoring for the team of Coach Jong Uichico with 20 and 16 points, respectively.
Uichico’s main offensive weapon, Jayson Castro, was held to just four markers. Castro was limited to five field goals in 23 minutes, making only two of them.
Veterans Jimmy Alapag, Anthony Washington, Larry Fonacier and Ryan Reyes must also pitch in on offense to give Talk ‘N Text a better chance. Alapag, Reyes and Fonacier combined for just 11 points in Game One. Uichico also needs better efforts from rookie Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas in Game Two.
Image credits: Kevin dela Cruz