SAN Miguel Beer and NLEX clash in a crucial rematch in the PBA Governors' Cup elims at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Wednesday, each side out to boost their stock in a tight five-way rumble for the four quarterfinal spots from Group B.
At posting time, Rain or Shine paces the group at 4-1, followed by Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel both at 3-2, then NLEX and Blackwater both at 3-3.
It's a tight race where only Phoenix Super LPG is left way behind at 0-5.
The Beermen hang in at second place the last time out following a 113-112 escape act versus the Elasto Painters through a June Mar Fajardo buzzer-beater.
From second place, the Road Warriors, meanwhile, slid to joint fourth following back-to-back losses to the Gin Kings, 91-119, and to the Bossing, 109-110.
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Interestingly, coach Jong Uichico and his troops last scored a win at the expense of the Beermen - a 112-108 decision in overtime in a road game in Cagayan de Oro.
Atoning for botched closeout in regulation, the Road Warriors put together a strong performance in extra time, with lift from Jhan Nermal, Richie Rodger and Robbie Herndon.
Myke Henry then produced a 33-point, six-rebound, four-assist, two-steal, two-block game to pace NLEX as Robert Bolick finished with 20.
But Henry has since been an object of a defensive net, struggling badly in their last outings.
San Miguel's Jordan Adam, meanwhile, has been steady with significant numbers. His 41-point game the last time was preserved as Fajardo drained the bail-out shot at the buzzer, lifting San Miguel past the previously unbeaten ROS squad Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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"Tsamba lang yon, pero buti pumasok at nanalo kami. Kailangan na kailangan namin ang panalo na iyon," said Fajardo.
"JMF" is well aware they need all the push that they can get in the fierce Group B rumble.
SMB coach Jorge Gallent said they have a job cut out for them in their rematch with the Road Warriors.(SB)
