The San Miguel Beermen (SMB) is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the NorthPort Batang Pier at 6:45 PM on November 10, 2020, live from the AUF Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Angeles City, Pampanga.
A massive run unleashed by the Beermen in the second quarter is more than enough to beat the league-leader Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings to finally capture another W, 81-66, that is relatively vital for the team’s survival in the eliminations.
Not only did the win propelled them in the PBA bubble’s Magic 8, but also kept San Miguel’s twice-to-beat bid alive.
Currently, SMB is at the fifth spot with a 6-4 win-loss record, tied with the Meralco Bolts and Magnolia Hotshots, just situated below the 7-4 Alaska Aces.
A San Miguel win later will boost their chances of getting the twice-to-beat incentives heading to the PBA playoffs.
The ever-reliable Mo Tautuaa once again tallied a double-double, scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds while injured Marcio Lassiter poured in eight of his 12 markers in the defending champion’s 15-0 surge for a commanding 42-25 lead in the second quarter.
In the all-important win, veteran players Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, and Bambam Gamalinda scored in double figures with 11 points apiece.
“The players were motivated by our situation right now because our status is we have to win our last two games or else we will be eliminated,” said SMB head coach Leo Austria.
Meanwhile, the already-eliminated Batang Pier fell anew to a worthy opponent that is the Magnolia Hotshots, 83-76.
NorthPort failed to capitalize on a lousy performance by the Hotshots’ ace player Paul Lee, who only tallied an unusual 14 points.
True enough, the double-digit production from Ian Sangalang (23 points), Jackson Corpuz (10 points), Rome dela Rosa (10 points), and rookie Aris Dionisio (10 points) added to the burden of the struggling NorthPort.
Christian Standhardinger and Kevin Ferrer are the two lone bright spots for the Batang Pier, scoring 18 points respectively, with the former tallying 17 rebounds in a losing effort. However, down the stretch, Stanhardinger and Ferrer were well-defended down the stretch and barely got any touches in crunch time.
Despite their early elimination in the bubble, NorthPort will not let their guards down. A battle royal will for sure ensue later this afternoon. And with SMB’s hopes for a twice-to-beat incentive back against the wall, they would also fight until they hear the last buzzer sound.