Coach Jorge Gallent during a huddle with the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals against Terrafirma Dyip. –PBA IMAGES
San Miguel Beer coach Jorge Gallent agrees that surviving Terrafirma may bode well for his talent-laden lineup now that it goes to the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup facing another underdog in Rain or Shine.
“It’s a very good grind for us and this series really helped us because Rain or Shine has the same style,” Gallent said after the Beermen’s 110-91 victory over the Dyip Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Beermen are bracing for the Elasto Painters to show up and display a similar approach as the Dyip with mainly their offense revolving around the perimeter.
READ: With winner mentality, San Miguel finally disposes of Terrafirma
Rain or Shine arranged a best-of-seven affair with San Miguel after defeating TNT in the deciding Game 3 of their quarters series.
June Mar Fajardo pointed out how it was a challenge for him facing Terrafirma, with bigs like Isaac Go and Kemark Carino known for hitting outside shots.
“They were really tough to guard because almost all of their bigs can hit from the outside,” Fajardo said in Filipino. “That forced me to extend my defense which is an advantage for them in terms of rebounding.”
READ: PBA: June Mar Fajardo powers San Miguel past Terrafirma and into semis
That may be the same with Fajardo taking on rookie Keith Datu and veteran Beau Belga, among some on coach Yeng Guiao’s roster.
Despite topping the eliminations with a near 11-game sweep, San Miguel had to be pushed to a sudden death match by the No. 8 Terrafirma after a 106-95 loss in their first quarters meeting last Saturday at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
But San Miguel displayed the kind of play it has been known for, with Fajardo leading the charge in the third quarter of the rubber match.
“We were kind of sluggish and when you feel sluggish, you have a hard time playing defense and all of that,” said Gallent.