San Miguel Beermen Loses to Black Water Elite

Learning from Ginebra's strategy of throwing multiple big men at Jun Mar Fajardo, Magnolia tried to do the same, and would have won if not for the heroics of Chico Lanete. Black Water Elite utilized the same strategy, throwing Eram, Marcelo, and Sena at Fajardo, with the occasional double team from a guard or small forward. And this time, it appeared to have worked. Or has it really?

I would say Fajardo is tired. Perhaps fatigue from the game is setting in considering he is part of the Gilas pool cramming for a showdown against Australia and Japan later this month. The four-time MVP wasn't churning out the usual numbers.

San Miguel is also missing Alex Cabagnot due to an injury. With Cabagnot on the floor along with Lassiter, Santos, and Ross, the Beermen have four potential three-point shooters well spaced on the floor. This is probably the reason why Lanete was effective against the Magnolia game. The three-point shot is an integral part of the Beermen's offense. But if shooters like Pesumal, Lanete, and Heruela are missing their shots, then it becomes more difficult for Fajardo to operate in the paint. The double teams will keep coming since they know that the Beermen have no reliable outside threat. Only Santos and Lassiter made shots from the perimeter. Black Water actually used the Beermen's strategy against them, with Eram being the inside threat, and DiGregorio, Maliksi, and Palma shooting from the outside. Palma appears to be a promising new comer, with a shooting touch and an ability to slash to the basket.

Ganuelas-Rosser should develop his three-point shooting ability. I actually thought they would develop him as another point guard like Ross. But it seems they are utilizing him as a power forward, due to the Beermen's lack of depth at the 4 position. Espinas is still out, so they have to put someone else at that spot for the Philippine Cup.

Santos is better at the 4 spot than at the 3 spot when Rosser is playing. So, I would rather see three additional guards with Santos and Fajardo, then subbing Mamaril or Rosser for Santos. Hopefully, this loss will teach the Beermen a lesson. Better to lose now than get knocked out of the playoffs.