WHILE his charges enjoy an imposing 3-0 lead against scrappy Rain or Shine, San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent isn’t taking any chances, hoping the Beermen could end their semis series in the PBA Philippine Cup today, Friday, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We really have to bring the energy and we really have to step on the gas, especially sa Game 4, because I’m sure Rain or Shine will come out smoking,” Gallent said last Wednesday after his charges prevailed 117-107 at the Dasmarinas Arena in Cavite.
Gallent said the Beermen should be in “desperation mode” when the two teams tangle anew at 7:30 p.m., adding “we just have to match them and do what we’ve been doing. Then I think we’re gonna be okay.”
Rain or Shine mentor Yeng Guiao rued their missed opportunity to finally score a big win that could have boosted his squad’s chances of remaining in contention.
“Nasasayangan lang kami dito sa opportunity. This could have been our best chance to win against San Miguel. We could have been back in the race. It was a crucial game. You go down 0-3, it’s almost impossible to get back,” Guiao said. “But if we had (a) 1-2 (deficit), medyo maganda pa. Medyo maganda pa odds noon.”
Guiao said he was peeved at SMB swingman Terrence Romeo for sinking a triple in the dying seconds when the outcome was already settled.
“Ang feeling nabastos kami ni Terrence sa pag-shoot niya. He isn’t one of the new guys in the league so we felt disrespected,” said Guiao, who called out the SMB player at the end of the match.
Beerman Don Trollano was wary about what their desperate rivals could do in Game 4 and warned his teammates that “huwag lang kaming maging complacent. Hindi pa tapos itong series.
“We just have to be focused kahit lamang kami ng 3 and 0.”
The sense of urgency was also what Meralco coach Luigi Trillo wants the Bolts to have after taking a 2-1 lead in their own semis tussle with an 87-80 decision over crowd favorite Ginebra two days ago.
“No letdown,” Trillo said on how they can beat the Kings, who have been decimated by injuries to Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray.
“We know Ginebra is capable (of coming back) but we’re also capable (of standing our ground),” said Trillo of their 4:30 p.m. match.
