By REYNALD MAGALLON
San Miguel Beer stakes its unblemished record against last season’s Governors’ Cup champion Barangay Ginebra in their titanic clash Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The marquee duel between the current top two teams is set at 6 p.m. while a collision between the Calvin Abueva-less Magnolia Timplados and Phoenix Super LPG will serve as a fitting appetizer at 3 p.m.
The Beermen, who currently boast of a perfect record through three outings, look to strengthen their grip of the top spot despite the recent injury setbacks.
The Leo Austria-mentored squad will still be without defensive lynchpin Chris Ross who hurt his right knee in SMB’s 87-81 victory over Magnolia last Friday while big man Vic Manuel who is nursing a calf injury remains questionable in their game against the now 2-1 Gin Kings.
While Austria expressed some concern over his team’s injuries, the multi-titled head coach is banking on the Beermen’s depth as he hopes guys like CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz, and Marcio Lassiter to step-up especially against an equally talented Ginebra squad who is fresh from a confidence-boosting 19-point comeback against NLEX, 83-75, last Wednesday.
Mo Tautuaa and June Mar Fajardo will also figure in a colossal matchup against Ginebra’s own twin towers of Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger.
The Gin Kings also try to avoid the same mistakes they did against the Road Warriors if they hope to give head coach Tim Cone a fitting sendoff in his last game before he flies to the US for the NBA Summer League where he is set to join the Miami Heat coaching staff.
Cone is set to miss Ginebra’s next four games with head deputy Richard del Rosario tasked to take over.
Meanwhile, in the opening game, the Hotshots (2-3) will have to find a way to douse a streaking Fuel Masters side without its star forward Calvin Abueva who was suspended for one game due to his unsportsmanlike behavior in their victory against Ginebra last Sunday.
Phoenix (2-2), on the other hand, is coming off a two game win streak with guys like RJ Jazul, Matthew Wright and Jason Perkins leading the charge.
