SAN Miguel Beer has given Terrafirma some fond memories.
The Dyip now aim to add on to that particular list when they clash with the Beermen Sunday in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Terrafirma has lost its last two games and, with a 1-3 slate, sorely needs to get back on track and inject more life into its campaign.
Game time is 4p.m.
SMB could unwittingly give its opponent the spark it wants, like in the recent Philippine Cup when the Dyip pulled off another upset over the Beermen, the former's second in the last four conferences, to touch off a three-game winning skein.
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"Sana maka-tsamba ulit kami sa San Miguel," said Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel on the eve of the match.
"Pag malakas ang kalaban lagi kaming may tsamba," added Cardel. "Parang kapag nasa itaas sila ng standing nagiging para sa amin."
It might just be wishful thinking for SMB has its own burning goal in the match which is part of the two-day Christmas Special, dubbed as "Season of Joy" and supported by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte as her "Pamaskong Handog" to her constituents.
The Beermen are gunning for a third straight win that would give them a 3-2 slate and a share of fifth-running spot alongside idle Alaska.
SMB coach Leo Austria is well aware of Terrafirma's upset plans and has warned his charges accordingly. "I told the players na in order for us na makuha ang immediate target namin, we have to give Terrafirma the respect it deserves and to not treat them lightly," he related.
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"Terrafirma is always dangerous at kahit na ganoon ang record nila they can still beat anybody on any given night," added Austria. "We have to be always on our toes against them."
The odds indeed favor SMB. Aside from Alex Cabagnot being out for the conference due to a torn Achilles, Reden Celda and Roosevelt Adams are also nursing their own injuries. Top overall pick Joshua Munzon also remains in the US.
To add some needed firepower Terrafirma traded Justin Melton to Blackwater for Ed Daquioag and Cardel now hopes the former UST star, who has had initial stints with Meralco and Rain or Shine, would rise to the challenge. (NC)
