Beermen eye 3-1 series lead over TNT KaTropa
THE San Miguel Beermen look to move a step closer to winning their second straight Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) title as they shoot for a commanding 3-1 Commissioner’s Cup finals series lead over the TNT KaTropa today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Seized finals control after claiming Game Three, 109- 97, last Sunday, the Beermen eye to extend their command of the best- of- seven PBA championship affair while also boosting their chances of winning their second consecutive trophy, after the Philippine Cup, and remain on track of a rare grand slam.
The Game Three victory of San Miguel saw it turning things around following its loss in the series opener.
Alex Cabagnot and import Charles Rhodes led the way for the Beermen in their last victory, which was a follow- up to their 102-88 easy win in Game Two.
But unlike in its Game Two win, San Miguel had to dig deep last time around to hack out the win as the KaTropa played with a firmer footing.
Mr. Cabagnot paced the Beermen with 28 points, nine rebounds and six assists to earn player of the game honors while Mr. Rhodes had 25 points and 20 rebounds.
Guard Chris Ross had 17 points with previously struggling Marcio Lassiter coming out of his scoring slump to post 16 markers to go along with seven assists.
“This is a hard-fought game. I think what happened to the game is we did not have any major adjustment and we just kept our intensity high,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria following their win last Sunday.
“TNT really stepped up in today’s ( Sunday’s) game because they had to bounce back from their loss but our players showed a lot of pride and took on the challenge,” he added.
But while they are happy where they currently stand, Mr. Austria said they know they have not achieved anything yet and that they have to continue to say focused and be prepared for what TNT would give them in succeeding games.
“It’s far from over. We don’t want to celebrate this game because this win is nothing yet,” Mr. Austria underscored.
“I’m sure in the next two days TNT will make the adjustments, including replacing an import, so we will just be ready,” he added.
TNT has American Mike Myers on standby in case it needs to change hurting import Joshua Smith (foot) for the series.
As of this writing, the KaTropa have yet to give word if they are to make a change.
Meanwhile, TNT coach Nash Racela highlighted the need for them to take care of the ball if they are to get back in the series following a 23-turnover night for them in Game Three.
“The turnovers we had did not help us in this game. Part of it is because of San Miguel’s defense and part of it because of our own doing. We have to address that because you cannot give San Miguel so much opportunity,” said Mr. Racela.
He also expressed hope that erstwhile hot- shooting rookie RR Pogoy get to regain his touch after being left scoreless in backto-back games.
“He (Pogoy) has been making right decisions and taking the shots that he needs to take. It’s just that they are not falling. But like Marcio (Lassiter) tonight maybe Pogoy can regain his touch in our next game. He just needs to keep on shooting,” the TNT coach said.
In Game Three, RR Garcia led TNT with 19 points while Mr. Smith had 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Game Four today is set for 7 p.m.