Game Today
(Mall of Asia Arena)
7 p.m. – San Miguel vs TNT
(TNT leads series 2-1)
Meanwhile, TNT KaTropa is out to once again frustrate the San Miguel Beermen and take a commanding 3-1 lead tonight in Game 4 of their best-of-seven semifinal series at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The KaTropa, who won Games 2 and 3 with renewed vigor, hope to move one step closer towards the finals in the 7 p.m. Valentine’s Day match, which will further test the Beermen’s penchant for being resilient in such situations.
Since dropping a 111-98 decision in the series opener, TNT responded by tying the series, 87-85, on Friday, before leaning on the inspiring performances of rookie Roger Pogoy and veteran forward Danny Seigle to move ahead in the series with Sunday’s 98-92 victory.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria, who seemed to have lit a fire on TNT counterpart Nash Racela when he said after Game 1 that the Beermen’s weak points can be seen on the video, said the KaTropa have played inspired basketball.
“It’s the desire of the players. You can see sa kanilang body na player and then the motivation of not only coach Nash but also the coaching staff,” Austria said. “Yung desire nila is different right now, dahil before hirap na hirap sila sa amin to the fact na we swept them in the semifinals two years ago (2014-15 Philippine Cup).
“Di namin kaya ipanalo lahat e. I told the players that 11 straight wins is not a guarantee that we could beat them easily, because the more you win, the more they will be prepared dahil ikaw ang target. And it’s happening now, and I hope magising sila and face the reality,” he added.
The Beermen have also been ruing the way the KaTropa have been getting a bit of a leeway defending June Mar Fajardo, who struggled in Game 3 with five personal fouls and tough encounters inside against Seigle and Kelly Williams.
While SMB guard Chris Ross is not bothered by the officiating, he did said that respect should be given more on the top contender for the Best Player of the Conference award.
“I feel the three-time MVP should get a little bit of respect that he deserves,” Ross said. “They’re calling a lot of touch fouls on him. On the other side, they’re banging and holding on him, he’s not getting the calls.”
Racela, obviously from the other side’s perspective, claimed that such calls have been long overdue.
“We’re just thankful because finally the referees are calling fouls on June Mar,” he said. “Last game (Game 2), he played 40 minutes and he had just one foul.”