SAN Miguel begins its campaign in the PBA bubble when it faces Rain or Shine on Tuesday in the Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center.
Winner of the only match played before the PBA season was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beermen eye the early lead in the team standings.
The match starts at 4 p.m.
The Beermen are gunning for a sixth straight Philippine Cup crown, but it will be much different inside the bubble without five-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, who is still recovering from a fracture in his right tibia.
“Hindi ganun kadali,” said San Miguel veteran Arwind Santos. “Ngayon, ibang storya. Nasa bubble, malayo kami sa pamilya at sa mahal namin sa buhay and at the same time, wala si June Mar. First time ito mangyayari sa sports na nasa bubble.”
“Pero sabi nga namin, sakripisyo ito. Gagawin namin lahat para sa pamilya namin, sa fans ng San Miguel, at para sa amin. Kahit mahirap, gagawin namin.”
San Miguel beat Magnolia, 94-78, on March 8 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum before play was suspended days later due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coach Leo Austria has reason to be optimistic about their campaign in the Philippine Cup because of their outstanding play without Fajardo months ago.
“It’s a big adjustment for us but we are so happy that in our first game, we were able to make some adjustments. Mukhang hindi namin na-miss si June Mar. This time, it will be a tough challenge for us. Good thing, the commitment is there and everybody stepped up [in our last game]. Kaya maganda performance namin noon,” Austria said.
San Miguel remains a solid crew, with Commissioner’s Cup finals MVP Terrence Romeo, Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, and Mo Tautuaa leading the way.
The Elastopainters also debut in the bubble with Beau Belga, James Yap, and Gabe Norwood bringing veteran leadership to a team that added four rookies in the roster in Vince Tolentino, Adrian Wong, Clint Doliguez, and Prince Rivero.
Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon are also expected to play big roles in Rain or Shine’s title bid.
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