San Miguel is one win away from a return trip to the Finals of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. But the Beermen expect a massive fightback from Ginebra in Game 6.
San Miguel was relieved LA Tenorio was no longer with Ginebra after its 115-106 win in Game 5 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals last Wednesday, Jan. 14.
This after coach Leo Austria and Chris Ross recalled Tenorio’s heroics in last season’s Game 6 in the penultimate stage, where the "Tinyente" nailed the most important baskets to steal an 88-87 victory over the Beermen.
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Fortunately, SMB still beat the Gin Kings in seven games then and went on to claim the Philippine Cup title.
“Good thing LA is not here anymore,” said Ross after San Miguel's Game 5 win in the ongoing best-of-seven semifinals.
Like last season, Ginebra also got back from the dead, cutting a 17-point deficit to two to make things interesting.
But under Austria and Ross’ guidance, San Miguel prevailed and moved a win away from a Finals berth.
“LA Austria na ang nandito,” Austria said in jest, drawing laughter from the members of the press.
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: Ginebra vs San Miguel | Philippine Cup semis Game 6]
Though Tenorio is now calling the shots for Magnolia, Austria knows that the Beermen cannot succumb to complacency as they go for the kill come Game 6.
“We know NSD, Ginebra, Never Say Die. They always find [ways] to look for an important shot like that,” Austria said.
“Mabuti na lang [in Game 5], walang LA Tenorio. Kasi 'yong last shot, probably, puwedeng maging four points. So I guess, we’ve learned our lesson.”
San Miguel can clinch the last Finals berth and set up a rematch against TNT if it beats the Gin Kings in Game 6 set on Friday, Jan. 16 also at the Big Dome.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.