Beermen hope to stay in game shape against ABL teams

San Miguel coach Siot Tanquincen and his Beermen are facing a new challenge after securing the first semifinals berth in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup that is how to stay in game shape. The Beermen, which will play their final elimination round game on Jan. 16, will be idle for more than a month and will next take the court sometime in February.

Tanquingcen wants an immediate solution where he sees the only solution is to play against teams from the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL). He said that he plans to seek the PBA commissioner’s office to allow them to play tune-up matches against ABL squads. "Maybe we should play against (ABL teams)," said Tanquingcen, who has brought the Beermen a step closer to an ambitious second straight title. “We have to request the PBA to allow us play teams outside of the PBA para naman hindi kami mabakante (so we won't be idle)." "I know hindi naman bawal (it's not forbidden) because we’re not joining a pocket tournament or a side event. But we have to ask permission, para hindi na rin magka-problema (so we don't encounter any problems). This is the downside of getting the best reward, which is the automatic semis," added Tanquincen. The ABL is a newly-formed league among teams in the Southeast Asian region, including the Louie Alas-coached Philippine Patriots. Tanquincen said playing against ABL teams, which have their own imports, will keep his team in its true form. But while the long lull might affect the Beermen’s tremendous peaking, it would also be a blessing in disguise for Tanquingcen as he will have enough time to rest the injuries of Danny Seigle and Dorian Pena, two veteran players who were instrumental in giving the team numerous titles. "I will be needing them, no doubt, especially in the semis," said Tanquingcen. – GMANews.TV