The up-and-down San Miguel Beermen are aiming to deliver the undefeated Rain or Shine Elasto Painters their first loss of the conference. 

Catch the game this Thursday, September 5th, at 7:00 PM, Manila time.

San Miguel Beermen (2-2)

Projected starting five:

• Jericho Cruz
• CJ Perez
• Jordan Adams
• Marcio Lassiter
• Junemar Fajardo

After a 2-0 start, the Beermen have dropped each of their last two games. They lost to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last August 27th, 108-102, and again to the NLEX Road Warriors, 112-108 this past Saturday.

There are plenty of holes in the team as of now as the guys aren’t executing well, especially on defense. The lackadaisical effort was on full display vs. NLEX as six Road Warriors reached double-digit scoring. If it doesn’t improve dramatically, they will get decimated by this inspired Rain or Shine team.

Offensively, the firepower will be there because of the smorgasbord of talent, as led by import Jordan Adams, eight-time PBA MVP Junemar Fajardo, and athletic scorer CJ Perez, who are all capable of dropping at least 25 points on any given night. Each showed out in the game prior, albeit a loss, with Adams posting 36 points and five steals on 60% shooting, Perez flirthing with a triple-double (29 pts, 9 rebs, 9 ast) and Fajardo providing his usual monster double-double (19 pts, 17 rebs).

They will get theirs and perhaps more with the help of their dynamic supporting cast. In the end, though, it’s their defense that will bring them back to the win column.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-0)

Projected starting five:

• Anton Asistio
• Caelan Tiongson
• Adrian Nocum
• Aaron Fuller
• Santi Santillan

The Elasto Painters remain as the lone undefeated team in the conference. They will be coming off a 116-99 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters, where they flexed their team-oriented offense and good team defense yet again. They hounded Phoenix, limiting them to just 37.5% shooting and forcing 17 turnovers.

As always, the trend of import Aaron Fuller leading the scoring charge and controlling the boards was present, as he put up 28 points and grabbed 22 rebounds on an efficient 12-of-16 shooting. He showed discipline too and only took shots inside the arc.

Forward Adrian Nocum provided the main scoring support as he notched 21 points alongside three blocks. Growing fan favorite Jhonard Clarito showcased his hustle yet again with 15 points, nine boards, and a pair of steals. We’ll see how well they can carry those performances moving forward.

Rookie sensations Caelan Tiongson (8 pts, 3/10 FGs) and Felix Lemetti (0/3 FGs, 14 mins), meanwhile, were due for an off-night, and they did simultaneously. No worries, though, as they should be able to redeem themselves in no time.

PICKS:

Spread: Rain or Shine (+3)

Over/Under: Over (214.5)