Philippine Sports News and Updates

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer tries to finish off Burger King for the first championship berth while Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine dispute the pivotal 3-2 lead in their respective Game Five duels in the Final Four of the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum today.

The Beermen, who outlasted the Whoppers, 120-119, in a thrilling double overtime win last Wednesday to seize a 3-1 lead in their best-of-seven series, vow to go for the clincher for a shot at the crown for the first time in four years and 18th overall since 1975.

But SMB coach Siot Tanquingcen said they’re not taking the Whoppers lightly despite the latter suiting up with a depleted lineup in their 5 p.m. encounter.

Mark Yee will serve a one-game suspension he incurred for a flagrant foul penalty 2 against Wesley Gonzales in Game Three while JR Quinahan is running a fever.

“One thing I’ve learned from this game (Game Four) which is a good metaphor in life is that you can’t take anything for granted. One can be so high one day then down with a humbling experience the next,” said Tanquingcen.

BK coach Yeng Guiao said they’re down but not out of it yet. “We’re not losing hope. I don’t think San Miguel’s advantage is that big. I think we can beat them but there are things we need to improve on and we need to get the proper breaks,” said Guiao.

“San Miguel is already the stronger team and yet they’re getting all the breaks. Had we gained just one break Wednesday, probably the result could have been different,” Guiao added.

Another bad break going for BK was league commissioner Sonny Barrios’ decision to mete Beau Belga a one-game suspension and a fine of P10,000 for another flagrant infraction. Belga sits out either the next game, Game Seven or BK’s first game next season.

Mick Pennisi was assessed a fine of P20,000 for his own flagrant foul Wednesday.

Focus will also be on the Ginebra-Rain or Shine game in a crucial match likewise tipped to be decided on breaks.

“There’s no trend really in our series unlike in the other where we know who’s got the upper hand. No team can dominate the other in our side of the semis. Anybody can come out strong in a game and win it,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

“That means we have to come out with our A-game every contest,” Uichico said. The Elasto Painters blew the rare chance to post a 3-1 lead over the crowd favorites as they struggled with a woeful shooting Wednesday.

“I think that was our worst shooting night this conference,” rued Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.

• Philstar
• Philippine Sports Central