Defending Philippine Cup champions the San Miguel Beermen have started 2-0, and will look to continue their winning ways.

Catch the game on March 31st, at 3:00 PM.

San Miguel Beermen (2-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Chris Ross
  • Jericho Cruz
  • CJ Perez
  • Marcio Lassiter
  • Junemar Fajardo

The Beermen go in as defending Philippine Cup champions, as well as winners in the previous conference. They also went to the Holy Week and All-Star break 2-0 after two games, winning 109-97 against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on March 15th, and following it up with a squeaky 91-89 victory over the Talk N’ Text Tropang Giga on March 17th.

There’s no stopping SMB as it still fields a very, very capable bunch, and that’s with Junemar Fajardo seemingly starting slow. The all-time big man is only averaging 28 minutes per game thus far, posting 15.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks.

The dynamic guard play between Marcio Lassiter (14.5 PPG), Jericho Cruz (16.0 PPG), Don Trollano (14.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG), Terence Romeo (11.0 PPG), CJ Perez, and Chris Ross is simply a headache for defenses. There’s too much firepower on both ends. Lassiter, for one, is shooting a smooth 69% from the floor in two outings, which includes a combined 8-of-10 from downtown. We should see these guys perform well again on Sunday. 

In two games, SMB is scoring 100.0 PPG and allowing 93.0 on the other end.

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Phoenix Fuel Masters (1-3)

Projected starting five:

  • R.R. Garcia
  • Sean Manganti
  • Kenneth Tuffin
  • Jason Perkins
  • Raul Soyud

The Fuel Masters went to the break with a loss. They were defeated by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters last March 17th, 100-85, failing to follow up a dominating 94-78 victory they had against the Terrafirma Dyip on March 13th.

Forward Jason Perkins continues to lead the way in the PHX camp, averaging 20.0 points,5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 55% shooting this conference. Tyler Tio had a good showing in his lone appearance in the Philippine Cup (19 pts, 7/10 FGs, Mar 8th vs. Northport), but he’s still nursing an injury.

As such, rookie Ken Tuffin will help Perkins out courtesy of 12.0 PPG and 5.6 RPG, alongside veteran RJ Jazul (10.2 PPG) and sensational young guard Ricci Rivero (9.7 PPG). They ought to bring all of that and more as they are up against the most talented team in the league.

Phoenix is putting up 97.7 PPG in the conference, but in turn gives up 101.0 points.

PICKS:

Spread: SMB (-9.5)

Over/Under: Under (205.5)

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