5 Things San Miguel Needs to do to win against Alaska without Fajardo on Game 2

SMB Winning Against Alaska? It Won't Be Easy Without Fajardo. The Kraken is the focal point on offense all season long for the SMB, losing him on the most critical stage of the season can be disheartening and difficult.

Game 1: SMB actually was doing well on the first 3 quarters of the game on game 1 and for some reason they could not match the intensity of Alaska on the fourth quarter.   Alaska used the momentum and defeated SMB.

What should SMB do today to win?

1.   Defend  Manuel - This guy tortured them especially on the fourth quarter when Alaska was mounting a comeback. De Ocampo and Espinas while they had a good showing on offense they were standing like a manikin or they just lack the intensity on defense in the fourth quarter to match Manuel. They should focus on interior defense

2.  Rebound Party -  20 rebounds, this is how many more Alaska grabbed on the first game and this is just astonishing stats. I know that Fajardo was missing but I would not say they are out-sized by the Alaska Milkmen.  Calvin Abueva grabbed 13 rebounds. Perhaps gang rebound would work?

3.  Arwind Santos - Aside from Lassiter and Cabagnot, this guy needs to produce so that the big guys can focus on defense.  He was the missing link on the first game, not Fajardo.

4. Take it Inside - In the fourth quarter of game 1, SMB stopped going inside the paint for some reasons and that spelled their doom. They could not produce on the offensive side and what's worse is that they are giving away points from the paint to Alaska.

5. Forget about Fajardo -  Good if he plays, if not then they have to adjust and believe that they can do it without the big guy. Use Fajardo as an inspiration. If they win game 2 it will give Fajardo more time and a chance to heal better and probably an opportunity to be a difference make on the later part of the series.


Prediction:  Manuel will continue to dominate but Alaska will lose tonight because San Miguel will play as a team. Arwind Santos and Lassiter will step up.  Series will be tied.  Actually, this is more of a wish than a prediction.

The scores:

ALASKA 100 - Manuel 24, Baguio 16, Banchero 15, Abueva 12, Exciminiano 6, Jazul 6, Casio 5, Hontiveros 5, Menk 5, Thoss 4, Baclao 2, Dela Rosa 0.

SAN MIGUEL 91 - Cabagnot 20, Lassiter 19, De Ocampo 18, Tubid 13, Espinas 11, Arana 4, Santos 4, Ross 2, Lutz 0, Semerad 0.

Quarters: 11-4, 42-38, 75-66, 100-91