I think we’re in for a test and it’s going to be a tough game

MACAU — Chris Ross expects a dogfight when San Miguel Beer faces Lance Stephenson and the Liaoning Flying Leopards.

The Beermen take a crack on the nine-year National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran as they clash in the semifinals of East Asia Super League Terrific 12 invitational tournament Saturday here at the Tap Seac-Multi-Sport Pavilion.

Game time is at 7 p.m. with a banner crowd composed mostly of Filipino workers tipped to show up to witness high-level basketball between the Philippines’ best professional team in the Beermen and a flamboyant guard in Stephenson.

“He’s (Stephenson) is going to the be a handful for us. I think we’re in for a test and it’s going to be a tough game. Not easy,” said Ross, who has been instrumental in the Beermen’s campaign in this 12-club tournament.

Stephenson, who signed a one-year, $4-million deal with the Chinese club, has been sensational in the competition, averaging 28 points, 6.5 rebounds and seven assists in two games for the Flying Leopards.

Ross could be one of the few players who will be assigned by head coach Leo Austria to slow down the Brooklyn native.

“I think I’ll get a little bit of him, Dez (Wells) some of him. As far as individually, everybody will get a chance to guard him. But it’s going to be a team thing,” Ross said.

“It will be a team defensively. All locked in, on the same page. A guy like that it’s not one person who can stop him. All five us have be on the same page.”

Wells, also a big hit here, has been a revelation for San Miguel, providing the firepower and leadership that make the Beermen the favorite to win the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.