By REYNALD MAGALLON
Games Sunday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
5:15 p.m. – San Miguel vs Ginebra
7:30 p.m. – Meralco vs TNT
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
Meralco finally showed some semblance of life in their semifinals series against TNT and it hopes to sustain that as it seeks to level the series in Game 4 in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Jan. 11.
With the losses in Games 1 and 2 putting the Bolts in a dire situation, the wards of head coach Luigi Trillo displayed the sense of urgency in Game 3 to not only avoid a 0-3 hole but more importantly give themselves a chance in the series.
And they did that with the panache of a champion.
Meralco cut the series deficit to 1-2 and it now has the chance at equalizing the series in their fourth meeting that tips off at 7:30 p.m.
Serving as a fitting appetizer is the other semis series where defending champion San Miguel aims for a commanding 3-1 lead over Barangay Ginebra in the 5:15 p.m. affair.
“I truly believe this series is far from over. We have what it takes, but it’s going to take double the effort for that Sunday game,” said Trillo who hailed Meralco for its consistent showing in the 97-89 Game 3 win.
Although the series lead remained at the hands of TNT, Meralco seemed to be a little more confident heading to the pivotal match especially after ending a two-year, seven-game losing streak against the Tropang 5G.
“We haven’t beaten this team in a long time, and you have to credit the guys for sticking together, right? TNT will be back, and they did come back, and it was good that we kept our poise, and we got the stops needed,” said the veteran coach.
Meralco, however, would need to prepare for potentially missing main gun Chris Newsome after hurting his knee in Game 3.
Meanwhile in the first game, riding the crest of the Game 3 win following a Don Trollano’s 33-point explosion, SMB is looking to bury Ginebra to a 3-1 deficit.
But the Kings are surely looking to make adjustments on their defense especially after the SMB bench erupted in the last game, practically putting to waste their huge effort of limiting June Mar Fajardo to just six points.
