Jericho Cruz, Robbie Herndon, Leo Austria set for PH Cup quarterfinals return

San Miguel will be in full strength for its quarterfinal clash with Blackwater on Wednesday, July 27, 6:00pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

While the Beermen will continue to miss the services of guards Terrence Romeo and Chris Ross, the players and coaches who were sidelined for the team’s final 2 elimination round games due to health protocols are expected to return for its game against the Bossing.

“We are all good,” disclosed SMB team manager Gee Abanilla.

Despite being armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, the league’s winningest franchise is not taking any changes against a Blackwater squad capable of pulling off surprises.

With Leo Austria out, assistant coaches Jorge Gallent, Ato Agustin and Boycie Zamar took turns in calling the shots for the Beermen who still ended up as the top seed with a win-loss record of 9-2.

Aside from Austria, also expected to return are new recruits Jericho Cruz and Robbie Herndon.

Without some key personnel, the flagship team of the SMC group barely escaped a winless but hard-fighting Terrafirma squad in overtime, 109-108, before succumbing to the Meralco Bolts in its final game by 3 points, 89-86.

San Miguel also needed an extra period before disposing of a stubborn Blackwater side in the elimination round, 110-107. The defeat triggered the Bossing’s 5-game slide going into the playoffs.