Alaska Aces vs Rain or Shine Elastopainters. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Normally, a 3-0 advantage in a best-of-seven series is as good as over.
But after seeing the San Miguel Beermen pull off the improbable a conference ago in the 2016 Philippine Cup, no lead is really safe.
“We have a 3-0 lead, we have one foot inside the door, but again, it’s happened before and it can happen again,” said ROS head coach Yeng Guiao shortly after the Elasto Painters held on for a 112-108 win and a 3-0 lead over the Alaska Aces on Wednesday night.
READ: Aces try to overcome lead one possession at a time
Interestingly, it was also the same Alaska team which had the monumental meltdown after blowing a 3-0 lead in the Finals three months ago.
And that historic comeback by the Beermen is exactly what Guiao wants to use as a reminder to his team that the championship is not yet a guarantee at this point.
“SMB was 0-3 when they won a championship. That’s what’s on our mind. We don’t want to be in that position. We will do all we can to finish this on Friday.”
READ: Rain or Shine goes up, 3-0
Beau Belga, though, doesn’t need any reminders from his coach or whoever.
As far as hefty ROS big man is concerned, he has no plans of letting up with the title already at the Painters’ fingertips.
“Ayoko mangyari samin yon. Ayoko masama sa history. Basta sa sarili ko, Game 4, gusto ko ng tapusin and bibigay ko na lahat,” said Belga after scoring eight points and grabbing three rebounds before fouling out in Game 3.
“Ang nasa isip ko Friday na lang. Wala ng ibang laro.”