ANOTHER big test awaits both San Miguel Beer and NLEX when they collide Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
The winner gets to a 2-0 record, but more important for the Beermen and Road Warriors is how they would be able to keep on improving as the season-opening conference goes on.
NLEX has already shown its grit by charging back from 16 points down at halftime to trip youth-laden Terrafirma, 105-102, last Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After shooting just 10-for-38 in the first half, including 2-for-18 from beyond the arc, the Road Warriors made 22 of 42 shots in the last two quarters of play, lacing that blazing performance with a 6-for-11 clip from deep.
"I am very happy with the way we won because makikita mo 'yung character ng team, na kaya naming magbalik from the 16 points na inilamang nila (Dyip)," said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao. "Kayod hanggang huli, so I look at it as a good sign of the character of this team."
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Calvin Oftana was at the forefront of that Road Warriors attack by scattering 18 of his 20 points with JR Quinahan adding 15 of his 18, Don Trollano 13 of his 15 and Kevin Alas 11 of his gamehigh 24.
"Siguro kung hindi ganoon kasama ang opensa namin nu'ng first half p'wedeng hindi ganoon kahirap ipanalo 'yung laro," noted Guiao.
San Miguel's route to a 108-100 win over Phoenix Super LPG also last Wednesday was just as tough, getting dragged through 13 lead changes and seven ties before going on a 13-9 windup in the last 3:24 of the game.
Beermen coach Leo Austria said he was glad that their pre-season preparations, with practically all healthy players present, immediately bore fruits right in their first game.
"Once na natapos 'yung SEA Games, June Mar (Fajardo) and Mo (Tautuaa) were able to get to the team to practice," related Austria.
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"We're happy because... I think this is the first time we had a (complete) pre-season training," added Austria. "We were able to address 'yung mga kinakailangan namin, especially 'yung chemistry."
Initial evidence of Austria's last statement was the fact his Beermen issued a total 31 assists out of 44 made field goals, complementing an assault led by Fajardo's 24 points and 15 rebounds. (NC)
