San Miguel out to get back at Malaysia, seeks 6th win

MANILA, Philippines - The San Miguel Beermen seek a sixth win and revenge against first round tormentor Malaysia in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) today at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The Beermen, who just disposed of the Indonesian Warriors with a 77-61 score last weekend, will take homecourt advantage as it eyes a fourth straight win to keep tugging at the coattails of leader AirAsia Patriots (6-1). They are currently tied at second with the Dragons at 5-2.

When they met last Jan. 15, the Beermen lost to the Dragons with an 83-77 score. They were terribly outrebounded, 49-34, in that game.

“We still had Richard (Jeter) then and he was more of a shooter than an inside player. Now that we have Doug (Thomas), I think we have a pretty good chance of winning it here,” said San Miguel Beer head coach Bobby Parks about the game set at 6 p.m.

Parks said his team plans to employ anew pressure defense against the Dragons, with particular focus on imports Brian Williams and Tiras Wade.

“They have two very good imports. The last time out, Brian had 26 points and 23 rebounds against us so the idea is to limit him and Tiras, who also had 28 points,” said Parks.

Parks also pointed out to the Dragons’ Filipino imports Cris Pacana, Nic Belasco and Patrick Cabahug. “They are also playing before a home crowd so we expect them to exert extra effort,” Parks added.