Beermen duel Heat in non-bearing game

MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten in their last six outings and winner of 11 of their last 12, the San Miguel Beermen seek to keep the hot streak on as they cap their elimination round campaign against upset-conscious Saigon Heat in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League tonight at the Tan Bihn Stadium in Vietnam.

With a 16-4 slate, the Beermen already have a lock on No. 1 seed and home court advantage in the semis regardless of the outcome of the 8 p.m. match, but coach Bobby Parks Sr. still wants his wards to take a business-as-usual approach in their elims-ending game.

Especially against a Heat (7-12) squad that actually dealt their last setback, 66-63, last March 24 at Ynares Sports Arena.

“We are not putting our guard down against Saigon,” said Parks, whose wards enjoyed a 10-day break since their last game, a 91-77 disposal of Bangkok Cobras at home.

“We want to be in a playoff mindset in time for the semis,” added Parks, stressing they still need to improve on chemistry and get better and better in time for the playoffs, where SMB will face either Westports Malaysia (11-9) or Indonesia Warriors (11-9). 

Nick Fazekas and Duke Crews, probably one of the most lethal import combos in the tourney, are expected to lead SMB once more, along with Fil-Am Chris Banchero. With the trio’s heads-up plays, SMB has strung up six successive wins.

Although already out of the playoff race, the Heat, meanwhile, will be motivated to end their maiden campaign in the ABL in grand fashion.

Plus Vietnamese fans are expected to rally behind the team like they did in a 77-69 spanking of the Cobras last Wednesday.