WILL IT END TONIGHT?
Dabawenyo basketball fans have opposing predictions on Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup 2018 best-of-seven finals series between defending champion San Miguel Beermen and current series leader Ginebra Gin Kings.
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings only needed to win Game 6 tonight to crown itself PBA Commissioner’s Cup 2018 champion but that won’t sit well with defending champion San Miguel Beermen who will try to live another day and force a sudden death in Game 7.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, in a Facebook interview with Sun.Star Davao, said, “It will be a close contest. Remember that San Miguel is much stronger in terms of talents.”
The Tim Cone-mentored Gin Kings currently leads the best-of-seven finals series, 3-2, following an 87-83 win last Sunday to break the deadlock.
Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights coach Cholo Elegino, for his part, said SMB, who are seeking a grand slam, will win Game 6 considering the see-saw battle in their recent game.
“Their (Beermen) backs are on the line and they will fight and enforce themselves on the boards and in the paint. I expect a much physical Game 6,” he said, adding, however, that he does not doubt Ginebra will win Game 7.
Davao Occidental Tigers assistant coach Arvin Bonleon, meanwhile, said SMB will make proper adjustments to bounce back to equalize the series.
Bonleon said, “Both teams are strong and are well coached which is why the series has been a back and forth battle.”
Ice Gravador, who coaches Holy Cross of Davao College and Lamb of God Sped Academy, also said the Beermen have too much pride. “After all the championships that they have won to just fold in Game 6.”
Meanwhile, University of Mindanao (UM) sports director Joaquin “Boy” Sarabia, former Sun.Star Davao editor Karlo Pates, currently executive assistant of PSC Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey, and Ateneo university athletics director Noli Ayo think otherwise. They believe that the Gin Kings have the momentum to wrap up the series tonight.
Ayo said, “With the luxury of a great coach and the loyal crowd, Ginebra truly has the advantage. I expect them to win.”
Pates added that Ginebra has a balance scoring from locals and Justin Brownlee, also citing their defense in shutting down SMB’s June Mar Fajardo Renaldo Balkman in the last game.