Beermen try to snap skid vs rising Tigers, Aces test Painters

Defending champion San Miguel may be mired in a losing spell at the moment in the PBA Fiesta Cup. But its confidence remains intact and its belief still high that it will grab the last semifinals berth. “We’re still confident that we can take the last automatic semis seat. Hopefully, we have learned from our mistake. We have to come out strong, execute and play tough defense against a very tough opponent," said San Miguel Beer coach Siot Tanquingcen. Tanquingcen is referring to the Coca-Cola Tigers, whom the reigning champions face Wednesday in the opener of a doubleheader at the Araneta Coliseum. The two collide at 5 p.m. in a game the Beermen (11-4) hope would finally put a stop to their two-game losing skid and push them closer into gaining an outright seat to the semis. A lot of people thought barging to the semis would be an easy task for the Beermen following an early burst out of the gates of the season-ending meet. But they suffered to back-to-back losses, including a close 85-82 decision against rival Talk `N Text in Victorias City last week. The Beermen suddenly found themselves yielding the first automatic semifinals slot to the Tropang Texters (14-2) and now crowding out sister-team Derby Ace for the other remaining slot. Import Gabe Freeman didn’t suit up for San Miguel in that road loss to the Tropang Texters owing to flu-like symptoms, and while he’s expected to be back in a Beerman unifom against the Tigers, Tanquingcen is not really fully counting on the versatile American player, who has yet to recover his full strength. The Tigers however, appear to have gotten their second wind. After losing seven in a row, they have now gone 2-1 in their last three games, including a thrilling 96-95 win over Barangay Ginebra last Sunday behind a new import in John Williamson, who collected 24 points and nine rebounds. The win obviously put the Tigers (6-9) back in contention for a possible spot in the playoffs. “We will maintain our team mentality that our goal would be to improve on every aspect of our game regardless of our adversaries," said Perasol. The Tigers own the distinction of one of only few teams to beat the Beermen. Coca-Cola became the first team to deal San Miguel its first of its four losses in the tournament, 108-98, in a road game in Gingoog City. But the Beermen racked up nine straight wins after that. Although not as glaring as the outright semifinal chances of San Miguel and Derby Ace, Alaska (9-6) mathematically remains in the hunt and could still make a case for itself should it win its 7:30 p.m. encounter against Rain or Shine (7-7). “I think both teams understand the ramifications of this game and where they are in the standings," said Alaska coach Tim Cone. “I’m sure both teams are ready to leave it all out on the floor." - RCJ, GMANews.TV