WHO will go to the finals?
Both San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra want to get to the Promised Land, but only one of them will make it in the championship round when they square off in the deciding Game 5 of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
The knockout game is scheduled at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both team’s campaign and a ticket to the finals all at stake.
With the series tied at 2-2, it all boils down to one deciding game.
But defending champion San Miguel might have a slight edge coming in with momentum and confidence on its side.
“I was glad we were able to even the series and have this Game 5,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria. “We know this situation. We’ve been in this situation in the past and we’re looking to be composed and play another good game to make the finals.”
Showing its championship poise, the Beermen emphatically shrugged of elimination as they soundly drubbed the Gin Kings, 101-72, in Game 4 last Sunday to force this decider.
San Miguel Beer clicked on all cylinders as it led from start to finish, ensuring that it will go on to continue the defense of its crown, at least for one more game.
Marcio Lassiter was the main man as he fired 20 of his team-high 25 points in the first half wherein his scoring spurt allowed San Miguel to break the game wide open right away.
Barangay Ginebra didn’t find any answers in Game 4 and Gin Kings’ coach Tim Cone hopes that his team can turn the tide when it now matters the most.
“Game 4 wasn’t fun at all. San Miguel played its best game and we weren’t able to keep up,” said Cone. “We’re still continuing to learn things at this stage and now, we’re hoping we can bring our best game in the most appropriate time.”
© MST SPORTS