Beermen open title defense versus Express

Source: By Nelson Beltran (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines - The San Miguel Beermen and prolific import Gabe Freeman start their title defense in taking on the Air21 Express and debuting reinforcement Keena Young in the second play date of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Game time is at 7:30 p.m. pitting two teams, which made some changes in their lineups after falling short in their bids in the recent Philippine Cup.

San Miguel overhauled its backcourt by acquiring Alex Cabagnot from Air21 for Mike Cortez then getting Joseph Yeo from Sta. Lucia Realty for Bonbon Custodio.

Air21, meanwhile, has new recruits in Cortez, Rich Alvarez, Renren Ritualo and Doug Kramer as the Lina Group franchise rebuilt its team after a poor ninth-place finish in the all-Filipino tourney.

The team lost original import choice Leroy Hickerson to an injury he suffered in a car accident a few days before his scheduled flight to Manila. But the Express are hopeful they’ve got a dependable replacement in Keena Young.

“He may not be as spectacular as Hickerson but the important thing is he’s effective. If he blends well with the locals, then we can have a good run,” said Air21 coach Yeng Guiao.

Freeman needs no introduction. He’ll be a marked man, being a player that took the PBA by storm last year.

He warmed up for his return engagement with San Miguel in helping the Philippine Patriots rule the inaugural Asean Basketball League.

With their formidable lineup, the Beermen are again considered the team to beat in this Fiesta Conference.

Barako Energy Coffee and Coca-Cola play in the 5 p.m. curtain-raiser with the Coffee Masters looking for a follow-up on their triumphant opening game versus Sta. Lucia Realty Sunday.

Sammy Monroe had an impressive debut, leading the Harbour Centre-sponsored Barako team to a 97-93 win over the Realtors.

After holding his own against Anthony Johnson, Monroe will be next up against James Penny, veteran reinforcement of a Coca-Cola team raring to improve on its sixth-place finish in the Philippine Cup.

Coca-Cola made no changes in its lineup except the reactivation of William Antonio.

The Tigers had a scrambling start in the all-Filipino tourney with Asi Taulava suffering a foot injury right in their opening game.

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