Beermen eye 2nd road win

Game today (MABA Stadium, Kuala Lumpur)

3 p.m. – Malaysia Dragons vs San Miguel Beermen

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer shoots for back-to-back road victories in the 2013 Asean Basketball League as it takes on Westport Malaysia today at MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Despite their awesome firepower, the Beermen (3-2) are on a rollercoaster ride in the early going of the season, winning big one game, only to lose the next. 

They came off a 77-73 triumph over Chang Thailand Slammers last Wednesday and in today’s 3 p.m. outing against the slumping Dragons (2-4), SMB coach Leo Austria wants to break the trend and make it two-in-a-row for the very first time.

“It’s been a see-saw season for us so we need to play more consistently. There will always be off nights for every player, but what’s important is for everyone in the team to rise to the challenge and contribute in any way they can,” Austria said. 

Import Brian Williams had his off-night against the Slammers, struggling for just three markers, but Gabe Freeman dished out his usual production (20 markers, 13 boards) while Chris Banchero exploded for 26 points. Asi Taulava also stepped up with 11 points and five rebounds.

Williams is expected to bounce back against a team that he led to the semifinals last season.

The Dragons of Filipino coach Ariel Vanguardia are seeking to break a harrowing four-game slide after a 2-0 start. 

“We need to find a way to come up with those rebounds and loose balls and we’re going to win games if we can do that,” said Vanguardia after their 67-68 setback to Jobstreet.com Singapore Slingers.

Adding to Malaysia’s woes is the injury to import Cedric Bozeman, their top scorer, who will be sidelined for a few weeks. The Dragons took in former Barako import Sammy Monroe, who is expected to lead the home team alongside Justin Melton, Tautuaa, Shee Fai Loh and Patrick Cabahug.