SMB battles determined Bay Area

San Miguel Beer’s Vic Manuel (left) blocks Rain or Shine’s Leonard Santillan during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Oct. 9, 2022, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. PBA PHOTO

NEWLY crowned Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer tries to become the second team to beat guest team Bay Area as both squads square off on Sunday in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen (1-1) secured their first win this conference after pulling off a 113-105 triumph over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in a heated match last week.

Import Diamond Stone atoned for his ineffective PBA debut versus Blackwater after exploding for 42 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in the win over ROS.

The Beermen will be facing the Dragons (4-1) in their 4:30 p.m. encounter with an added inspiration, having seen sister team Barangay Ginebra Kings whip the guest team, 111-93 last Sunday.

Bay Area gunner Glen Yang said they are well aware of what SMB can do, along with the talent depth of the many-time Philippine Cup champion. Yet, they are raring to bounce back since that 18-point shellacking at the hands of the Kings that put an end to their 4-0 start.

“We are excited and ready to bounce back after last game loss,” Yang said, who scored 15 points, but shot just 3-of-10 from the floor versus Ginebra.

“We know they (Beermen) will be a tough test for us, but we are ready to go,” he added.

Yang is one of Bay Area coach Brian Goorjian's reliable guards and his stats this conference are evidence of his hardwork.

The Hong Kong-born Yang is averaging 16.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals for Bay Area.

Meantime, Magnolia shoots for its fifth straight win to start the conference when it collides with NorthPort at 6:30 p.m.

The Hotshots (4-0) chalked up their fourth straight win after spanking the NLEX Road Warriors, 111-97 last Wednesday.

The Batang Pier (3-2) are currently at third spot in the standings and will rely on their solid talent base led by import Prince Ibeh, Robert Bolick, Arvin Tolentino and veteran Arwind Santos.

Ian Sangalang and Rome dela Rosa could possibly play since recovering from typhoid fever, and their return could give the team the needed boost.