Photo Credit: PBA.PH

The San Miguel Beermen now found their backs against the wall as they try to even up the series to 3-3 against the Purefoods TJ Giants in Game 6 today at the Cuneta Astrodome at 6:00 PM to force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Wednesday.

Hounding the Beermen are their two straight lousy showing where they allowed the TJ Giants to seize control early and never able to get back. That’s exactly how the series goes and based on the first two quarters, you can probably foretell who will win Game 6 if the trend continues.

Although this situation is not something new to the Beermen as they were able to bounce back from a 3-2 deficit from Barangay Ginebra last conference and gain the Fiesta Conference Crown. However, the Beermen should be able to summon back their winning ways before it is too late.

Key to today’s game is controlling the tempo, playing excellent defense, and controlling the boards. Because of the Giants high shooting percentage, the Beermen were not able to run and gain fastbreak points, therefore, defense is so critical. I still believe they can do it. Getting Game 6 can give us the momentum going into Game 7.

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA.PH) covers the rest of the game preview story below.

1ST OF 2 TRIES FOR TICKET TO FINALS UP FOR GIANTS SUNDAY

Sunday, February 21, 2010 – junior

Definitely, the Purefoods TJ Giants’ intention is to deliver the knockout blow on the embattled San Miguel Beermen Sunday.

The question is whether the Giants can sneak in with that or the Beermen would be able to duck.

For Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, the best way for them to close out the series is to stick with what they did well in the last two games.

Three-two up and all pumped-up, the Giants go for the kill versus the Beermen in Game Six of their 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal showdown at the Cuneta Astrodome Sunday.

“We know how capable San Miguel is. We’ll stick with the game plan of buckling down on defense and making it hard for them to score. I think that’s the best way to have a chance to beat a mighty opponent,” said Gregorio.

The youthful Purefoods mentor said they would come out in their Sunday’s bench and would try their best to deliver the Sunday punch in the 6 p.m. contest.

“We’ll treat the game as a do-or-die setto. We’ll remain vigilant,” said Gregorio, very much aware that San Miguel has not lost three straight games in the tourney.

Seizing the pivotal 3-2 lead in the series with emphatic triumphs in Games Four and Five, Gregorio said the key was their commitment to work hard defensively.

To many, the biggest factor, however, was how Gregorio was beating his San Miguel counterpart Siot Tanquingcen in their own battle.

The watchers think Tanquingcen isn’t able to get his star-studded team play its full potential.

Tanquingcen admits their shortcomings.

“Being down in the series leaves us with no other choice but to up our intensity,” said Tanquingcen.

“Parang nawala ang gigil namin,” said prolific SMB forward Arwind Santos.

Dominating the Beermen the last two games with a solid job on both ends, the Giants look to sustain the effort with the hope of landing the all-Filipino Finals for the second time in three years.

The Giants continued to defy the odds, stunning the Beermen, 92-82, for the second straight game Friday.

Another win Sunday or Wednesday will make Purefoods a surprise finalist versus the top-seeded Alaska squad.

“We like where we are right now but we have no reason to celebrate until we get that win No. 4,” said Gregorio.

As in Game Four, the Purefoods starting unit did a heckuva job and the reserves had key contributions as the Giants repeated in Game Five to move in the threshold of a 21st PBA Finals.

The Giants hold the league record for the most number of All-Filipino Finals appearances with 12. No team has made the title series more than seven times.

The Beermen need to beat the Giants two in a row to deny them another finale.

The problem, however, is how San Miguel can regain its bearing.

The Beermen were simply outsmarted and outplayed in losing the last two games.

“Our starters are really getting the job done but they just couldn’t play 48 minutes. Our reserves had their key contributions,” said Gregorio.

Tanquingcen couldn’t say the same of his team. (SB)

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Related entries:

  1. Kerby Raymundo Stars as Purefoods TJ Giants Frustrates San Miguel Beermen, Takes 3-2 Series Lead Photo Credit: PBA.PH I totally made a wrong prediction that the Purefoods TJ Giants will be coming to this...
  2. Roger Yap Stars Anew as Purefoods TJ Giants Destroyed the San Miguel Beermen, Gains Finals Berth Photo Credit: PBA.PH It still puzzles me how the San Miguel Beermen were not able to adjust to the...
  3. San Miguel Beermen Sets Eyes on Game 5 and 3-2 Advantage Against Purefoods TJ Giants Photo Credit: PBA.PH Failing to execute their plays and allowing the opposing team to take a huge 21-point lead...
  4. Jay Washington Stars as San Miguel Beermen Crash Purefoods TJ Giants Photo Credit: PBA.PH As I predicted, fatigue will be a big factor for Game 1 as the San Miguel...
  5. Dondon Hontiveros Shines as San Miguel Beermen Gets Back at Purefoods TJ Giants, Takes 2-1 Lead Photo Credit: PBA.PH Definitely, the San Miguel Beermen learned their lessons well from the loss from Game 2 as...