The 4-0 Beermen and the 3-1 Realtors collide at 6 p.m.

With all the injuries to key players and the adjustment it made with a new import, San Miguel emerged as the surprise team in this reinforced conference.

To keep the streak going, San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen said his wards have to keep playing hard against the Realtors who thrive on defense.

“They’re the type of team that would make you pay for unnecessary mistakes.” Tanquingcen said.

The Realtors have won their three previous assignments and are poised to end the Beermen’s winning streak.

After dropping its initial game against Burger King (87-96), Sta. Lucia scoried victories over Philippine Cup champion Talk ‘N Text (106-100), defending champion Barangay Ginebra (80-76) and Barako Bull (100-91).

“We’re happy where we are right now with the three wins. But we are facing a team that won four games and have a line-up that is so strong na wala kang itulak-kabigin,” Sta. Lucia mentor Boyet Fernandez said. “It’s our defense that will be crucial if we want to get this one.”

In the Realtors’ previous win, import Anthony Johnson, in his second stint in the PBA and first with SLR, scored a career-best 43 points on 20-of-31 shooting while adding a personal-best 21 rebounds.

Johnson will be matched up against Freeman, who replaced Nate Carter. Freeman and Johnson play similar styles, both are athletic and high-leapers, likes to slash to the basket, good outside shooters and excellent defenders.

The Realtors will rely also on their local mainstays of reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kelly Williams, last seasons Rookie of the Year Ryan Reyes, Joseph Yeo, Bitoy Omolon, and veterans Marlou Aquino and Dennis Espino.

As for the Beermen, also expected to step up are locals Dondon Hontiveros, Dorian Pena, Jay Washington, Jonas Villanueva, Olsen Racela, Wesley Gonzales, Mick Pennisi and rookie guard Bonbon Custodio.

San Miguel is still waiting for the return of key players, who are still recuperating for injuries including former two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso, Danny Seigle (back), Marc Pingris (foot), Lordy Tugade (knee) and Mike Cortez (knee).(jack18jack)