PBA: SMB puts controversy behind, sets aim for 1st place

MANILA, Philippines - The issue about a foot on the line has been laid to rest. Now San Miguel Beer just wants to keep in step with the league-leader. The Beermen look to tie for first place when they face the resurgent Coca-Cola Tigers in the KFC Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City. San Miguel found relief in the PBA's decision to uphold the Beermen's double-overtime victory last weekend, a game that Air21 put under protest because referees ruled a three-pointer by Ranidel de Ocampo a two-point basket - even if de Ocampo's foot was outside the three-point line. But the only thing the Beermen (6-2) are worried about now is winning three in a row and tying idle Alaska (7-2) for the league leadership. With a star-laden lineup, the Beermen were pegged preseason favorites until Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso were sidelined because of injuries. Depleted, San Miguel has found a way to win with new faces Jay Washington and Mick Pennisi and comes in the favorites versus Coke in their 5 p.m. game. The Tigers are currently tied with Barangay Ginebra, Red Bull and Talk 'N Text with 3-5 records. In the other game, limping Ginebra and underachieving Talk 'N Text face off at 7:30 p.m. Ginebra broke a five-game losing streak when the Kings beat the Coke Tigers in the weekend. Against Talk 'N Text, the Kings, who continue to miss the services of Mark Caguioa, face a deep, talent-heavy lineup mired in a three-game skid and could muster only three wins. - GMANews.TV