San Miguel Beer and Alaska Milk set out for their weekend road tussle in Batangas City with the same goal - bounce back from a loss the last time out and boost their Top Two aspirations.
The Beermen and the Aces clash in a crucial Petron Blaze Saturday Special at 5 p.m.at the Batangas City Coliseum, with both teams out to nail win No. 7.
Their drives were stalled the last time with the Beermen dropping a humbling 96-106 loss to the Blackwater Elite and the Aces seeing the end of their six-game winning streak in a defeat at the hands of the NLEX Road Warriors.
The Beermen seemed to take the Elite for granted while the Aces exerted a tough effort a little late, waging a serious rally only after falling behind by 30 points.
Still, Alaska coach Alex Compton lauded his troops as they were still able to get back into the fight, and the Road Warriors barely survived.
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Compton is hopeful the Aces will come out and dish out a determined effort the whole against the Beermen.
"We are looking forward to a tremendous challenge in Batangas City, and we are hoping we will provide all of the fans with a game they will remember," said Compton.
"San Miguel is San Miguel. They are the best team in the league with the best lineup," Compton also said, according the reigning champs much respect.
San Miguel dropped to a tie with Alaska and Magnolia at 6-2 on its loss to Blackwater.
The Beermen, however, regained the solo lead as Rain of Shine upended Magnolia 101-95, then NLEX stopped Alaska, 96-89, in the ensuing PBA play dates.
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Nonetheless, SMB coach Leo Austria reminded their teammates they can no longer afford another meltdown if they're to claim a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
"It's gonna be tougher from hereon and hindi kami pwede magpabaya. Ayaw namin ma-aggravate ang aming situation," he said. (SB)
