Hotshots eye 3-1

SMB’s Fajardo set to claim 6th PH Cup BPC trophy

Game Today

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

7 p.m. — San Miguel vs Magnolia (Magnolia leads series 2-1)

Series Summary:

Game 1 – Magnolia 99, San Miguel 94 Game 2 – San Miguel 108, Magnolia 101 Game 3 – Magnolia 86, San Miguel 82

It won’t be scrape-bottom as a 3-0 hole. Nonetheless, the Magnolia Hotshots would love nothing than to bury the San Miguel Beermen as deep as possible in this title series.

Magnolia is determined to put SMB in uncharted territory with a commanding 3-1 lead in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals today at the Smart

Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots are expected to be more determined to beat the Beermen anew as they look to move a win shy of capturing the season-opening conference in the 7 p.m. match.

Another defensive battle may bode well for Magnolia after claiming Sunday’s third game, 86-82, almost shutting down San Miguel’s major weapons.

But coach Chito Victolero is preparing for a major fightback from San Miguel as it seeks to regain its offensive brilliance.

“Hopefully we can sustain this kind of game,” said Victolero, who will rely anew on Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, Paul Lee, Jio Jalalon and veteran center Rafi Reavis.

Reavis and Sangalang will once again alternate in guarding San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo, who they forced to bleed for his 17 points and 14 rebounds in Game 3.

Reserve big men Kyle Pascual and Rodney Brondial could also play integral roles in Magnolia’s bid to once again frustrate Fajardo in the paint.

A better offensive showing is what San Miguel coach Leo Austria wants to see in his team’s quest to turn the series into a best-of-three affair.

Meanwhile, Fajardo is expected to win his sixth straight Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference award which will be presented prior to the start of Game 4.