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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Emotional SMB-Magnolia Finals to reach boiling point in pivotal Game 3

Emotional SMB-Magnolia Finals to reach boiling point in pivotal Game 3

Published Feb 7, 2024 03:28 am

At A Glance

  • Tempers are expected to flare and emotions are about to run high as the 2023-'24 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals between San Miguel and Magnolia reach its boiling point in the pivotal Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
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Tempers are expected to flare and emotions are about to run high as the 2023-’24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between San Miguel and Magnolia reach its boiling point in the pivotal Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

PBA Images2 (64).JPG
CJ Perez goes for a layup against Tyler Bey. (PBA Images)

The Beermen, oozing with confidence following a masterful Game 2 win aim for a commanding 3-0 lead while the Hotshots, now their backs against the wall, hope to find an answer to the juggernaut offense that is SMB in the contest that tips off at 7:30 p.m.

Of course, a lot of attention is on Magnolia star Calvin Abueva and how he would respond on the court, following a post-game word war against the wife of San Miguel’s Mo Tautuaa in the aftermath of the highly-emotional Game 2.

Abueva also got involved in a spat with SMB head coach Jorge Gallent who the Magnolia star was seen mocking during the contest. The Beermen though did not back down to Abueva’s antics with Jericho Cruz also taunting the veteran forward after drilling a trey over his defense.

Gallent, however, warned his wards to not get carried away with the psywar and remained focused on the task at hand.

“It’s Magnolia’s energy. We just have to match their energy. And we will make sure that they will not outwork us kasi the coaches are thinking that if Magnolia outworks us then they will have a chance of beating us,” said Gallent.

“If we match their energy and work hard then it is all even and we will just see what will happen,” he added.

The SMB head coach certainly has all the reasons to be cautious of Magnolia, especially that the Hotshots are one of the few teams who have proven that they are very much capable of coming back from a 0-2 hole in best-of-seven series.

The Magnolia franchise actually did it three times in history and once in the Finals although it goes way back in 2002 against Alaska. That hope is enough for head coach Chito Victolero to cling on as he vows to not give up on his team.

“I trust my players with all my heart and we’ve been working hard for this. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, we will win together, we will lose together. Di ako magigive up sa kanila, so good or bad, I’ll be with them,” said a defiant Victolero.

Related Tags

San Miguel Beermen Magnolia Hotshots PBA Commissioner’s Cup
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