Photo Credit: PBA.PH

Failing to execute their plays and allowing the opposing team to take a huge 21-point lead at the end of the first quarter caused the San Miguel Beermen’s downfall in Game 4 of their best-of-seven semifinals series against the Purefoods TJ Giants. As they get back on the hardcourt today at 7:00pm in the Araneta Coliseum, they will set their eyes on winning Game 5 to grab a 3-2 lead in the series.

Its pathetic scene to watch the Beermen gave up too much points on the Giants in the first quarter of that game and filing several technical fouls. How the Beermen fare in the the first quarter or the first half is quite significant in the series as the team that starts strong usually ends up as the victor.

I have a lot of confidence that the San Miguel Beermen can regroup themselves just in time for Game 5. Ball movement is critical and they must avoid excessive dribbling of the ball but instead share it and move it around. Our workhorse and scorer Arwind Santos should be stay away from foul trouble as he is a big loss in point production and defense.

We are 2 games away from getting back a return trip to the All-Filipino conference. The Beermen should take this opportunity for a chance to regain the All-Filipino crown, which I believe was last won in 2001, am I right?

Also check out what the Philippine BAsketball Association (PBA.PH) has to say for Game 5 below.

GIANTS, BEERMEN BREAK DEADLOCK
Thu, 02/18/2010 – 17:15 — junior

Ryan Gregorio believes his team is headed for a titular series with finalist in waiting Alaska Aces.

The eloquent Purefoods coach made his bold statement Wednesday in the aftermath of the Giants’ 97-84 victory that evened their 2009-10 KFC PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series with San Miguel at two games apiece.

“Honestly I feel we have a legit crack [at making the Finals] because of the way we’ve been playing and the way we’ve been concentrating and being in focus in trying to stop this team [SMB],” Gregorio said.

He cautioned, though, that Purefoods’ success remains dependent on the willingness of the team’s two superstars – James Yap and Kerby Raymundo – to share the ball and get others involved on offense.

Gregorio said his two superstars bought the idea and it worked well for them in Game 4.

The plan netted James Yap 24 points – 11 more than his average in the first three games. It also opened scoring opportunities for Roger Yap, who was one rebound short of his first career triple-double, Mark Pingris and Rafi Reavis.

“I told James and Kerby, ‘you’ve got to share the ball. Basketball will be a lot easier if you get the others involved’,” Gregorio said of his instructions to his two superstars.

Game 5 of the best-of-seven series is set at 7 o’clock on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum while Game 6 will be at the Cuneta Astrodome on Sunday at 6 p.m.

To make sure the Giants stay as sharp and as energized as they were in Game 4, Gregorio opted to rest his troops Thursday.

After a 10-minute walk through, the Giants spent the rest of their practice session watching and analyzing the video tape of Game 4.

“I think it’s unnecessary at this point to practice on the court. It’s so much better to spend time at the video room and talk about the things that should be done,” Gregorio said.

SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen said the Beermen had no one else to blame for Wednesday’s loss but themselves.

He said if the Beermen can’t execute their plays, chances are “ganun talaga ang mangyayari,” Tanquingcen said.

But he is confident his chargers will recover quickly and regain the lead. “We really play well when under pressure.” (DBC)

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