SAN Miguel has lost twice in tune-up games in its build-up for the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.
They may be tune-up games, but team governor Robert Non hopes that the defending champion Beermen can shape up as quickly as possible.
His reason? Other teams have all improved for the coming season.
Non singled out Converge, a team SMB lost to in a tune-up game by the score of 114-99 with No. 2 overall pick Juan Gomez de Liaño taking charge.
READ: PBA governors see Converge, RoS as dark horses for Season 50
GDL and Justine Baltazar top-scored for the FiberXers in that contest with 19 points apiece, with Justin Arana and Schonny Winston also each chipping in 17 markers.
“As I see it, talagang dark horse dito, Converge,” said Non. “Juan Gomez de Liaño, ang galing. Naka-tune-up namin. I saw it. Magaling talaga ‘yung bata.”
Non also mentioned the likes of consistent semifinalists Rain or Shine and Magnolia, with a new playing coach in LA Tenorio at the helm.
“Rain or Shine, isa pa ‘yan. And of course, ‘yung excitement ng Magnolia team because of LA. Ibang klaseng player din ‘yan at motivator pa.”
San Miguel also lost a tune-up game to Meralco, 95-91, recently.
The tune-up games saw eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo under minutes restriction, sitting out the fourth quarter of the Beermen's battle with the Bolts. Cjay Perez is also dealing with an ankle injury from Gilas Pilipinas’ stint in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
San Miguel, though, is still San Miguel
San Miguel is expected to be in the title hunt, regardless of its standing in the preseason.
But Non cautioned that the opposition has become stronger, and that means the title defense will not be an easy one.
“Medyo kinakabahan ako kasi lahat ng tune-up namin, we will lead in the first half, pagdating sa second half, tambak kami. Wag naman sana sa regular game,” he said.
“Dapat eh magising na sa katotohanan ‘yung team namin. Hindi puwedeng tutulog-tulog na ngayon. Ang daming magagaling.”
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