Beermen trip Slingers, share ABL lead

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer stamped its class on Jobstreet.com Singapore, 68-61, to stretch its streak to six games for a share of the lead in the Asean Basketball League yesterday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The Beermen wrested control early (23-10) and kept their double-digit margins that reached as high as 22 (61-39) before holding off the rallying Slingers to tie the idle defending champion Indonesia Warriors at 9-3.

Chris Banchero once more took the scoring cudgels for SMB with 19 points and six assists.

“I’m happy to see him playing well and get a lot of appreciation. He’s really been focused on the game and working hard,” SMB coach Leo Austria said of his star Fil-Italian guard.

The Beermen anchored their latest victory on defense as they held off the Slingers to a 27-of-72 shooting clip (38 percent), while blocking nine shots, mostly courtesy of Justin Williams and Asi Taulava (three blocks each) and Brian Williams (two blocks).

Brian Williams also contributed 11 points while Leo Avenido added 10 and Rizada made nine.