SAN Miguel Beer continues to show why it has won three of the last four championships in the Philippine Basketball Association.
The Beermen kept rolling in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as they won another one last Sunday at the expense of sister team Star. They have now totaled five wins against only two losses, just half-a-game behind pace-setting Meralco.
What impresses San Miguel coach Leo Austria is that they have managed to remain in a good position despite missing the services of key star players recently.
SMB stalwarts June Mar Fajardo and Arwind Santos are currently out of commission as the former is still recuperating from a knee bruise, while the latter is mourning the death of his mother. Ronald Tubid is also dealing with an injury and has been out the past few games as well, but is set to make his return in San Miguel’s next game.
“The players are challenged with the absence of June Mar (Fajardo), Arwind (Santos) and even Ronald (Tubid),” said Austria.
To fill in their voids, their teammates are making sure that the team is still in good hands as prolific import Tyler Wilkerson, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot are carrying the load for the Beermen.
In San Miguel’s impressive 117-98 drubbing of the Hotshots last Sunday, the team fully showcased its depth as it dominated even without Fajardo, Santos and Tubid.
Wilkerson dropped 44 points and Lassiter had 25 of his own, showing there was no shortage of firepower for the rampaging Beermen.
“Nagtutulungan talaga ‘yung mga players and I’m really glad,” added Austria. “They are showing that they can win even without our key players and they are also showing that they’re supporting those, who are currently out for us.”
San Miguel Beer is obviously targeting to finish in the Top 2, where it will earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Its closest rivals for this edge are No. 1 Meralco and No. 3 Alaska.
However, since San Miguel Beer had beaten both squads, it is in a good position to land in the Top 2 should it continue to pile up wins even in scenarios where there is a tie.
“We have a good chance to end up at No. 1 if we continue winning,” said Austria.
With the pending return of the three players who are currently out, the Beermen will only have more reason to believe that it is ready for the homestretch of the conference.