SAN Mig Coffee refuses to let the past affect its sight set on the near future as it gears up for an expected thrilling Game Seven showdown of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Mixers were on the wrong end of a questionable call late in Game Six when James Yap was whistled for a foul after his right hand brushed Mark Caguioa, who went on and sunk the go-ahead free throws that helped the Kings escape with a come-from-behind 94-91 win that forced the do-or-die encounter.
Instead of wallowing, San Mig coach Tim Cone is firmly focused on the game at hand as the Mixers aim to book a ticket to the best-of-seven Finals opposite Rain or Shine.
“We’re not gonna look back anymore,” Cone said after the team’s Tuesday practice at the Ronac Gym in San Juan. “It’s already gone and past. It’s spilled milk. It’s not worth considering talking about.”
“That’s just the whole idea that we don’t want to be focused on what happened. We’re focused on what’s going to happen,” the multi-titled American mentor said.
Asked of his reaction if the same group of referees in Game Six will officiate in the sudden-death, Yap refused to comment.
“Basta laro lang kami at i-enjoy namin yung moment na ‘to kasi minsan lang magkaroon ng ganitong sitwasyon, ‘di ba?” the Mixers superstar said. “Game Seven, maraming manonood, live at sa TV, and of course Ginebra pa (ang kalaban). Kailan pa kaya next magkakaroon ng ganitong laro?”
“Whatever calls sa referee, hindi kami magpapa-apekto,” the shooting guard from Escalante City, Negros Occidental added.
Teammate Mark Barroca admitted the team has grievances about officiating, but is likewise not letting it affect them.
“May hinanakit kami sa mga calls kagabi, pero wala na 'yun. Tapos na 'yun. Hindi na namin control 'yun. Wala na kami magagawa.”
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