Semifinalist go for crucial tiebreaker
Games July 25
(Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – B-Meg Derby Ace vs San Miguel
6:30 p.m. – Talk ‘N Text vs Alaska
MANILA, Philippines–B-Meg Derby Ace and Talk ‘N Text look to build on their stirring Game 2 victories when they shoot for 2-1 series leads Sunday in the PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum.
Having fought back from an 18-point lead to tie the series Friday, the Llamados will go into the 4 p.m. game against the San Miguel Beer confident that they can handle the best from the Beermen and still pull through.
The Tropang Texters, hoping that their 100-94 victory in Game 2 have put a dent in Alaska’s confidence, try to go back-to-back against the Aces in their 6:30 p.m. duel.
“Every game in a seven-game series is huge,” said San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen. “But this Game 3 is really important because it gives you separation, unlike when you go to the game up 2-0.”
Tanquingcen’s wards had looked so formidable until the Llamados unleashed a courageous second-half rally capped by Tony Washam’s three point play off Gabe Freeman with seven seconds remaining that turned out to be the game-winning basket in the 95-94 triumph.
Still, B-Meg Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio is concerned with his team’s offensive execution and their ability to rebound the ball.
Although the Llamados got the job done in Game 2, they shot just 38 percent from the field and grabbed 11 less rebounds than the Beermen.
“We have to figure out a way to score easy baskets,” said Gregorio, whose squad is gunning for a of the season titles. “We’re practically bleeding for our points.”
The Game 2 win, Gregorio said, heralded the return of their “”old, patented defense.”
That suffocating defense led to 26 turnovers by the Beermen which the Llamados translated to 19 points.
“We basically shot ourselves in the foot with those turnovers,” Tanquingcen said.
After losing Game 1, 88-104, the Tropang Texters countered with solid guard play, highlighted by Jimmy Alapag and Jason Castro’s combined 42-point effort, to level the series.
Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes believes his team has finally shaken off the rust from a month-long layoff.
“What we weren’t prepared for was Alaska’s performance in Game 1,” said Reyes, whose team got the benefit of a long rest after topping the elimination round.
“Hopefully, we’re off that and we can start playing sharp again.”
The Texters will have starting guard Mark Cardona back, after the former La Salle standout who scored 17 points in Game 1 missed the game Friday, the same day he got married.
