SMB aims to forge rubber match vs Ginebra
SAN Miguel Beer and Converge look to register another win as both squads try to accomplish important goals in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinal round.
For the Beermen, winning Game 4 against the Barangay Ginebra Kings in their 5:15 p.m. match meant sending their quarterfinal series to a winner-take-all fifth game for the right to advance to the final four.
On the other hand, the FiberXers are out to put the finishing touches against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their 7:30 p.m. tussle in the hopes of advancing to the semifinal round for the first time ever.
San Miguel bounced back from back-to-back losses in their series with a resolute effort, leading to a 101-98 win against Ginebra in Game 3, averting a sweep and an early Christmas vacation.
But coach Leo Austria knows the Beermen’s job is not done yet.
In fact, they need to double or even triple their effort, knowing that the Gin Kings can put an end to their semifinal bid with a Game 4 victory.
“This gives us back our confidence. We thought we'll have an early vacation," Austria said, following the great escape in Game 3.
“This win extends the series on Friday (Game 4), and hopefully, we play a Game 5."
San Miguel import George King only scored 21 points but collared 12 rebounds in the crucial win.
But for the Beermen to even entertain thoughts of beating Ginebra on Friday, King needs the consistent support coming from CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, Jericho Cruz, Chris Ross and big man June Mar Fajardo, who according to Austria, has been dealing with a foot issue.
Despite his age, the 41-year-old Ross remains a valuable contributor to the Beermen’s title bid given his vast championship experience.
“He did his role and we can feel his veteran presence,” said Austria, an 11-time PBA champion coach.
“For me a point guard is very important because he’s the extension of the coach (inside the court).”
Ross, who now serves as SMB’s playing-assistant coach, played a pivotal role in Game 3.
Ross scored seven points, grabbed three rebounds and issued six assists in 33 minutes of action in Game 3.
The grizzled veteran guard has carved a name for himself, being a 12-time PBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and Best Player of the Conference award.
As for the FiberXers, winning Game 4 will be critical in their semifinal bid.
Rookie guard Juan Gomez de Liano led Converge by firing 15 of his 19 points in the second half, and added 13 rebounds and six assists in leading his team to a shocking 105-89 rout of Rain or Shine, en route to taking a 2-1 series lead at the City of Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, though, remains defiant despite facing the specter of losing to the young and hungry Converge side under coach Delta Pineda.
“We won’t yield. We will try to push this (series) to the limit. Whatever limit that will take us, we will get there,” Guiao said.
Import Aaron Fuller, though, will have to step up and atone for his so-so Game 3 performance which saw him just score four points on a paltry 2-of-11 shooting.
Guiao, having been in the league for a long time, knows that off nights can happen even to the best players. But he remains hopeful that the hardworking Rain or Shine import can bounce back strong and lead his team back to a crucial win in order to force a winner-take-all Game 5.
“We have not lost our competitive spirit,” Guiao said. “The series is not over. So tingnan natin kung ano mangyayari sa Friday.”
