BAY Area Dragons coach Brian Goorjian expects a much-different San Miguel from the team they beat in the eliminations when they square off at the start of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday.
The Dragons outplayed the Beermen, 113-87, last October 16, one of the 10 victories of the guest team piled up during the elimination round.
San Miguel assistant coach Jorge Gallent though said the semifinals will be a different ballgame now that his team at in full strength with June Mar Fajardo and Terrence Romeo back on the fold after recovering from their injuries.
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Goorjian agrees.
“San Miguel isn’t the team that we saw in the regular season with Romeo on the team now and the big fellow (Fajardo) back. Their overall depth, it’s going to be a real challenge for us,” said Goorjian.
Game One of the best-of-five series will be on Wednesday, 3 p.m. at the Philsports Arena. The stage was set after Bay Area overwhelmed Rain or Shine, 126-96, and San Miguel sweeping Converge in the quarterfinals.
Romeo and Fajardo were key figures in the 120-107 win over Converge in Game Two, with Romeo tallying 22 points and Fajardo contributing 18 points and 18 rebounds in the victory.
Goorjian said going up against a team with a rich history in the PBA in San Miguel is an honor for his ballclub.
“But I’m just so excited that we are in the top four in the PBA in our first year. Tremendous accomplishment. And we are going to step up to the plate, and take a swing at the champions. Couldn’t ask for more,” said Goorjian.
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