MANILA—Powerade gets to test the capabilities of its new import when it collides with San Miguel Beer today in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Powerade coach Bo Perasol is banking on former Texas Tech stalwart Martin Zeno to help check the Tigers’ three-game slide and four losses in five games overall.

Zeno played college ball for Pat Knight, the son of renowned coach Bobby Knight, and suited up for the Erie Bay Hawks in the National Basketball Development League.

“Martin is an energetic type of player, but we know our responsibilities,” said Perasol, who replaced import Russel Carter following a 92-107 defeat to Ginebra.

“No one or two players can make us win. It should be a team effort.”

The Tigers are halfway through the nine-game elimination round and must win their remaining games to keep their hopes for a playoff spot alive.

Only six teams will advance to the next round, meaning teams need at least five victories to get under the wire.

The Beermen are encountering the same kind of urgency, having lost three of their four matches, including a humiliating 68-109 rout to the Smart Gilas national team.

San Miguel, the winningest ballclub in the league with 18 championships, absorbed its worst beating since 1998, when the Alaska Aces hammered the Beermen, 99-61, in Game 6 of the All-Filipino Finals.

Ginebra, meanwhile, will lean on Nate Brumfield again when the Gin Kings cross paths with the Air21 Express at 7:30 p.m.

Brumfield’s 32 points led the Kings over the Tigers, allowing them to regain confidence after losses to Alaska and Derby Ace.

June Navarro, Phil. Daily Inquirer