Down but not out: Santos believes Beermen can still make it

San Miguel Beermen. PBA IMAGES

With TNT on the verge of making it to the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup, San Miguel is well aware that its title retention chances are getting slimmer.

But as veteran crew which have been in this place before, the Beermen know they just need to keep the faith.

“Our road is getting slimmer, but at least, there’s still an opening. We can still make it,” Arwind Santos said in Filipino after the Beermen lost Game 5, 101-94, to trail the series 3-2.

The 2013 PBA Most Valuable Player led San Miguel with 18 points and six rebounds in the game where the Beermen managed to storm back in the second half only to have KaTropa finish stronger for the win.

Even with the Beermen just a loss away from failing to defend their crown, Santos still has full trust on his squad that they can pass the test starting in Game 6.

“The good thing here is that even though we’re down and sad, we still believe in each other that we can come back. As long as there’s hope, we’ll do it.  We’re still going to fight until the end.”

San Miguel fights for its life in Game 6 on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.