DEFENDING champion San Miguel Beer tries to finish off Barangay Ginebra in Game 6 of their semifinal clash and make a return trip to the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen took a 3-2 series lead following a 115-109 win last Wednesday to move within the cusp of barging into the best-of-seven title series.
TNT already secured the first spot in the Finals after a 99-96 victory against Meralco on Wednesday, en route to clinching their semifinal series, 4-1.
“We know Ginebra’s fighting spirit. They won’t be known for their NSD (never-say-die) if they don’t have that,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria, whose team faces Ginebra at 7:30 p.m.
“You saw in this game (last Wednesday), they fell behind by 17 (points) but they were able to bounce back,” he added in Filipino.
“We know Ginebra’s not just going to lay down. On Friday, the crowd in the venue will be rocking, and we have to play our best,” San Miguel veteran guard Chris Ross, chimed in.
The 40-year-old Ross remains a solid contributor for the Beermen, with the Filipino American playmaker eyeing his 12th league title.
He won his first 11 PBA championships with the Beermen.
“Honestly, I don’t know how long I would still be playing. I don’t think it would be long that’s why I’m playing as if it’s the last, I’m playing my hearts out, and just let the card fall wherever it might be,” Ross said.
The third overall pick in the 2009 PBA Rookie Draft delivered an all-around performance of nine points, eight assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks in over 30 minutes of action.
The Gin Kings won’t take things sitting down and are expected to go all out in their bid to win Game 6 and force a sudden death match on Sunday.
Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt and role players Jayson David, Norbert Torres and Ralph Cu will be at the forefront of Ginebra’s win-or-go-home match.