SMB eyes 9th win in row vs Saigon

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer takes on Saigon tonight, seeking to stretch its amazing run to nine in the Asean Basketball League (ABL) game at the Tan Bihn Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The Beermen are heavily fancied against a struggling Heat side (3-11) as the hosts play without import David Palmer, who was suspended after an altercation with the Thailand Slammers import Christien Charles in a 90-75 loss at the hands of the Sports Rev Thailand Slammers recently.

“We have an advantage in tonight’s game, but have to be extra cautious. We should not be complacent about the other team having only one American import,” said SMB head coach Leo Austria, whose wards totes an 11-3 card.

Indonesia, meanwhile, has a 12-4 win-loss record.

“We have to play our game and remember the things that have sustained our winning run so far,” said Austria.

The match is set at 8:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. in Manila).

SMB will also miss the services of JR Cawaling and Erik Menk due to minor injuries but Austria assured that the Beermen will have a full lineup with seven games left in their schedule.

“With our streak, I have the luxury of giving more minutes to my bench players. This is to give them confidence since I might need them in the playoffs,” said Austria.

He said he utilized Hans Thiele in the game against Singapore with the former University of the East Warrior scoring 11 points and hauling down four rebounds in 19 minutes on action.

“Hans will be very important for us if we want to use a bigger frontline in the playoffs,” said Austria, who continues to rely on Brian Williams, Justin Williams, Asi Taulava, Chris Banchero and Leo Avenido to lead the Beermen.

Minus Palmer, the Heat will have to depend on Dior Lowhorn, Al Vergara, Chris Sumalinog and Jai Reyes.