San Miguel Beer tries to bolster bid for incentive in quarterfinals

SAN Miguel Beer tries to bolster up its bid for the playoffs and a twice-to-beat bonus when it faces NorthPort in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The game is set at 7 p.m., with the Beermen (4-4, won-lost) hoping for a late surge against the Batang Pier (2-7) in their attempt to catch the quarterfinals incentive in the final stretch of the elimination round.

In the first game, a shorthanded Rain or Shine (2-6) battles Phoenix (6-3) at 4:30 p.m.

San Miguel Beer got a lease on life for the bonus in the playoffs with its victories against Phoenix (117-100) and TNT (107-96) last week.

Coach Leo Austria beams with confidence that his celebrated Beermen, who are solo in sixth place, could rally in their remaining assignments.

“We’re coming off a big win against TNT. We like our playoffs chances, especially if we sweep our games and I think we still have a chance to squeak into the top 4,” Austria said.

“But we’re not thinking ahead of ourselves. We’re focusing on Northport first,” he added.

Magnolia (7-2), Barangay Ginebra (7-2), Alaska (7-2), Blackwater (6-3) and Phoenix (6-3) have secured their spots in the quarterfinals.

The Batang Pier are coming off a 98-120 loss to the Elasto Painters last week. They need to sweep their remaining matches to advance further in the tournament.