The San Miguel Beermen have jumped into a 2-0 lead in the semis. Can the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally respond to make it a series?

Catch the game this Wednesday, May 22nd, at 4:30 PM, Manila time.

San Miguel Beermen (2-0)

Projected starting five:

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

The Beermen followed up their close, 101-98 win in Game 1 with a little more decisive 106-89 victory in Game 2. Now, like clockwork, they are only a step away from yet another PBA Philippine Cup finals berth. They’ve won or been in this position countless times just in the last decade.

As always, there’s no stopping “The Kraken” Junemar Fajardo while he leads the charge. He’s at 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 70.8% shooting in the series. Expect for this all-time great to keep towering over the opposition.

Marcio Lassiter is backing up the big man with 14.5 PPG and 3.5 3PG (58.3 3FG%), and you know he’ll keep getting open looks with all the double team Fajardo is attracting and the dynamic talent they have, from CJ Perez, who’s also a key scorer, Don Trollano, and Terrence Romeo, among others.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (0-2)

Projected starting five:

  • Anton Asistio
  • Gabe Norwood
  • Adrian Nocum
  • Beau Belga
  • Santi Santillan

The Elasto Painters are a good bunch, backed by a heck of a coach in Yeng Guiao, but it’s concerning how they stepped back from their good effort in the series-opener. They shot just 38% in the 17-point loss in Game 2, including an abysmal 27% from three (11-of-40).

We’ll see how deep this team can dig. Hopefully, everyone got an earful from coach Yeng to keep them fired up. It’s a capable group with veterans Gabe Norwood and Beau Belga, alongside the newer core of Santi Santillan, Andrei Caracut, Anton Asistio, Gian Mamuyac, who are collectively able to provide damage inside and out.

Belga is at 12.0 PPG in the series, while sensational guard Mamuyac is sitting at 17.0 PPG. Santillan only mustered five points across 23 minutes in Game 2, and he may be due for a more productive outing, so look out for him. 

PICKS:

Spread: San Miguel (-5.5)

Over/Under: Over (209)