by Jonas Terrado
Game Today (Cuneta Astrodome)
7 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs Magnolia
(Series tied 2-2)
Magnolia is determined not to let momentum slip away as it aims to take a 3-2 lead over Rain or Shine in the crucial fifth game of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The Hotshots, who have overcome the odds after going 0-2, go for their third straight victory at 7 p.m. and pull within a win shy of clinching a third finals appearance in the last four conferences.
Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga (right) defends against Magnolia’s Ian Sangalang in Game 4 of their PBA Philippine Cup semis Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Magnolia won to tie the series 2-2. (PBA Images)
Coach Chito Victolero is confident his boys can get the job done, especially after Magnolia picked up another victory with a 94-91 escape act Monday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game 4 almost slipped away from the Hotshots when the Elasto Painters nearly erased a 21-point deficit during a furious fourth quarter rally that fell short.
“The momentum is probably on our side now,” Victolero said. “But it’s up to my players to continue the pressure on their side.”
“They used a fourth quarter rally (in Game 4) but I think my players are ready for (Game 5). I mean, we’re not giving up, we’re not giving in; we’ll fight until the end,” added last season’s Coach of the Year.
One reason for Magnolia resurrection had been the play of Ian Sangalang, who has averaged 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds during the twin victories.
Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon have also picked up their contributions after starting the semis slow while Paul Lee is another consistent performer for Magnolia with 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
Defense has also enabled Magnolia to force Rain or Shine to work on its baskets.
Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia, ejected in Game 4 for incurring two technicals in the third, is hoping his team can endure the physical play and his claim of inconsistent officiating in order to get things back in their favor.
“It’s part of basketball. Sometimes you get the calls, sometimes you don’t,” said Garcia.
“At the end of the day, we just have to find ways to win and come Game 5, it will be more physical. Matira matibay na lang.”