Reigning champion San Miguel Beer eyes to sweep Alaska tonight for an easy access to another Finals berth in an expected walkthrough of Game Three of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semi-finals at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
Game time is at 7 p.m. with the well-rested Beermen banking on a one-day break to finally cap a 3-0 sweep of the Aces and book their 40th Finals appearance.
In complete command at 2-0, San Miguel was supposed to try to finish off Alaska on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. But the league decided to reschedule the match due to the heavy rains brought by Typhoon Henry.
According to coach Leo Austria, it worked both to their advantage and disadvantage.
“It was a good thing because we were able to rest. But it also derailed our momentum,” he told the Daily Tribune.
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Nevertheless, the mission remains the same for the Beermen who are looking for a clean sweep to assert their mastery of the Aces whom they had beaten in their last two Finals meetings in 2015 and 2016.
“Of course, we’re looking for a sweep but the job will not be easy. We expect heavy resistance from Alaska to extend this series,” he said.
“But we’re prepared and ready for whatever adjustment they have for us to finish this series.”
The Beermen are looking to book their second straight Finals stint this year and fourth overall in the last five conferences.
Tasked to lead San Miguel’s sweep bid are June Mar Fajardo and Renaldo Balkman, who combined for 52 points, 28 rebounds and eight assists in their 105-94 Game 2 win to take a 2-0 lead.
“We’re gonna fight again. That’s what I told the boys in the locker room after the loss: ‘Go out and battle with those guys (Aces) with passion,’” Austria said.
Undermanned with the absence of Calvin Abueva (suspended indefinitely) and Chris Banchero, Alaska coach Alex Compton is banking on his remaining players’ fighting heart to be able to come back.
“Yes, we’re missing some pieces but we’re gonna fight and play hard as we can,” he said.
Alaska, however, will need more from the rest other than import Diamon Simpson, who scored 19 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, three steals and six blocks in their last game. JBU
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