Beermen, Malaysians start best-of-three duel

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer and No. 4 Westports Malaysia begin their best-of-three series in the AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League today with a promise of a slambang encounter between two of the league’s top teams at Olivarez gym in Sucat.

One, both teams boast of an explosive pair of imports with the Beermen, who swept all seven rivals in the third round of eliminations for a league-best 17-4, parading hot-shooting big man Nick Fazekas and slam-dunking Duke Crews and the Dragons pinning their hopes on Tiras Wade, the league’s top scorer, and Brian Williams, a power off the boards.

Two, the top seeded SMB is determined to bring back the trophy to the Philippines and continue its winning tradition stretching from the PBA.

Gametime is at 4 p.m.

“It will be a very exciting series. Malaysia has two good imports who get a lot of points. If we can slow them down, we’ll have a good chance,” said SMB coach Bobby Parks Sr.

Westports Malaysia, however, is confident of its chances and vows to spring a big surprise.

“We’ve got everything to gain in this series,” said Dragons mentor Ariel Vanguardia. “Nobody expects us to beat this powerhouse team but we can shock the world. I know my players are eager to prove themselves too and it will come down to who wants it more.”

Support for the American reinforcements is expected to play a key role in the playoffs.

SMB looks to get mileage from Chris Banchero, Froilan Baguion, Leo Avenido and Roger Yap while Dragons seek production from Pinoys Patrick Cabahug and Nic Belasco and Malaysian Guga Batumalai.

Meanwhile, the other semifinal pairing pitting the Philippine Patriots and the Indonesia Warriors will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.