game on friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
7:30 pm – San Miguel vs. Ginebra*
*San Miguel leads 3-2 in series
A blockbuster rematch against preliminary finalists TNT offers an attractive prospect for the defending champion San Miguel Beermen (SMB).
But before they can think about Round 2 against Tropang 5G, the Beermen must first take care of concluding business against rival Barangay Ginebra on Friday in Game 6 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
And looking at last season's Final Four against the same opponent, SMB hopes to force the No-Quit Jin Kings to a sudden death encounter in the 7:30 pm match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, as they successfully did last time when SMB led 3-2.
“We are one (win) away from the finals but it won't be easy for us knowing from our experience in the last All-Filipino Conference. We went to Game 7 and NASA catching position lustful At that time (rubbermatch). Luckily we won that game,” coach Leo Austria said.
In last season's Game 6, Ginebra blew away SMB's 11-point lead in the fourth quarter relying on LA Tenorio's clutch three-pointer to take an 88–87 tie. Then in winner-take-all, Austria's charges overcame an 11-point deficit in the second half before eliminating the crowd darlings 100–93.
“We know the fighting spirit of Ginebra,” Mr. Austria said after taking the hill on Wednesday with a 115-109 Game 5 decision in the Beermen's race-to-four.
“We're leading by 14 points and all of a sudden, (Ginebra came in) one shot away from tying the game (5) but I think the players know how to deal with these types of situations.”
Ginebra's Tim Cone said he liked the fight and effort the Gin Kings showed in their late comeback attempts.
“We'll see if we can beat both of them consistently. But unless we focus on Game 6, we can't get to a Game 7 winner's position. So our focus is on Game 6,” he said.
Tropang 5G secured first place in the Last Dance on the back of a blowout 99-96 win over Meralco in Game 5. This marks their fourth consecutive Finals appearance and second shot at the PBA's crown jewel after going 2-4 to SMB in Season 49.
notes: The PBA lashed out at referee Jeff Tante for missing a crucial call in the final moments of the TNT-Meralco feud. Commissioner Willie Marcial said that Mr. Tante would be suspended for failing to make the correct call, i.e., whistled for a foul on Kelvin Oftana while blocking CJ Cansino's attempt with nine seconds remaining and TNT leading 97–96. Despite the no call, play continued and the Bolts were forced to foul Ray Nambatac to stop the clock. Mr. Nambatak converted both to make it a three-point tie. Mr Martial said the Commissioner's Office is still deciding on the length of Mr Tante's suspension, while the Technical Committee is conducting further review of the said match. — Olmin Leyba