Games Today (Smart Araneta)
4:15 p.m. – Alaska vs Kia
7 p.m. – NLEX vs San Miguel
San Miguel coach Leo Austria believes the Beermen have to put their best foot forward when they gun for a playoff berth against NLEX tonight as action heats up in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Even though the Beermen have won five straight after a 0-2 start, Austria feels there is no room for complacency as the tournament enters a crucial stage.
“The key for us is to keep playing hard,” Austria said, noting that his team cannot afford to lower its guard what with the Road Warriors coming off a rousing victory the last time against Alaska, 113-102.
“Just like us, they are also fresh from a win so expect them to come out strong. They are a dangerous team, with Asi (Taulava) and their import (Kwame) Alexander, and they have shooters,” he added.
At the moment, Barako Bull is on top of the standings with a 5-1 win-loss card, while San Miguel totes a 5-2 and third with a 4-2 slate is Alaska, which plays Kia (3-2) in the opener at 4:15 pm. Still in hot pursuit with identical 4-3 marks are Meralco and Globalport, defending champion Talk ‘N Text at seventh with 3-3, Ginebra at eight with 3-4, Star, NLEX and Rain or Shine with similar 2-4 for ninth to 11th spots and Blackwater at the bottom with a 1-6 ledger.
The San Miguel vs NLEX main event will start at 7 pm.
NLEX management has brought in former Barako Bull import Josh Dollard last Monday, but has yet to get clearance from the Energy Cola to replace Alexander, a high-leaping forward.