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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Unbeaten SMB, NLEX dispute Group A lead

Unbeaten SMB, NLEX dispute Group A lead

Published Jul 25, 2026 02:34 pm

At A Glance

  • It's a battle between two undefeated teams — one looking to prove its hot start is no fluke, the other aiming to assert its status as one of the teams to beat – as the clash between NLEX and San Miguel highlight a blockbuster double-header at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 26.

It’s a battle between two undefeated teams — one looking to prove its hot start is no fluke, the other aiming to assert its status as one of the teams to beat – as the clash between NLEX and San Miguel highlight a blockbuster double-header at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, July 26.

Both protecting a 3-0 slate, fireworks are expected as the Road Warriors and the Beermen dispute the top spot of the Group A standings, while Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine figure in a rematch of the last conference’s semifinals in the second game at 7:30 p.m.

More than trying to keep their record pristine, NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag is excited about facing the perennial contender in San Miguel, seeing it as a great opportunity to test the mettle of his squad.

“He’s (June Mar Fajardo) dominated this league for years. So I think it will be a great test for us. Not just for our big guys, but I think for our entire team. I think San Miguel has stamped its legacy in this league with their dominance behind June Mar,” said Alapag.

The Road Warriors are coming into the contest off a two-week respite and that should help them get more accustomed to the system under Alapag who only took over the team during the short offseason.

But NLEX isn’t facing a typical San Miguel team which have leaned and depended on Fajardo alone. 

For one, CJ Perez and import George King have shown great chemistry with the rest of the Beermen, evident with the pair of explosive performances in their 128-122 win over Converge.

Meanwhile in the second game, it will be an interesting rematch between Ginebra and Rain or Shine, which after dropping their first few games, finally barged into the winning column.

Now, the two teams are aiming for a huge followup.

"Medyo malapit na kaming maging desperado at kailangan manalo. Doon sa previous games, talo kami sa rebounding and we gave up a high-percentage shooting. We made it a point na pagsikapan na makadepensa at maka-rebound kami," said ROS head coach Guiao.

Related Tags

San Miguel NLEX PBA PBA Governors\' Cup
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