Mixers out to tie
By Calvin D. CordovaCebu Daily News
Game today
Mall of Asia Arena
6:45 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. San Mig Coffee
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters get their second of three cracks at a championship berth when they square off with the San Mig Coffee Mixers in Game 6 of their 38th PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal series tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“Our attitude is to finish the series tomorrow (today) or face dire consequences,” Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said in a pba.ph report.
The Painters lead the series, 3-2, needing just one victory to earn a Finals berth.
Rain or Shine had the chance to close San Mig last Dec. 29 but the Coffee Mixers bucked tremendous pressure, extending the series by winning Game 5, 79-67.
“Yes, we are still leading the series but it is always good to have that sense of urgency,” added Guiao, who is hoping that his wards can correct their mistakes in Game 5 following a four-day break.
“The four-day break gave us a good chance to regain our focus and correct the mistakes of our last game. The key is to sustain our energy and keep the defensive pressure,” said Guiao.
The two teams figured in an epic championship series in the Governors’ Cup where the Painters also jumped to a 3-1 lead. San Mig, then known as B-Meg came back to tie the series at three games apiece but Rain or Shine avoided disaster and went to win the crown via a deciding Game 7 battle.
“We just have to stay focused and committed to the task at hand,” said San Mig coach Tim Cone. “We know Rain or Shine is going to play a better game this time around, so we’ll have to play at a much higher level as well.”
James Yap will try to bounce back from a dismal three-point performance in Game 5 where he was hounded by foul troubles all game long.
However, the Coffee Mixers still managed to win Game 5 courtesy of the solid efforts of Joe Devance, Marc Pingris, PJ Simon and Mark Barroca.
“They beat us twice in a row, I believe we can win twice in a row,” Cone said.
The other semifinal series between the Alaska Aces and the defending champions Talk N Text Tropang Texters will be held tomorrow at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Talk N Text leads the series, 3-2.
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Tags: 38th PBA Philippine Cup , Rain or Shine Elasto Painters , San Mig Coffee Mixers
