JIMMY Alapag believed Ginebra guard Sol Mercado committed a traveling violation in the final stretch of Game Five but refused to dwell on it, saying Meralco's focus should be on do-or-die Game Six against Ginebra.
Ginebra put away a 92-81 win over Meralco on Sunday night to take a 3-2 lead in the PBA Governors Cup Finals after a game marred by a crucial non-call on a Mercado infraction in the endgame.
Alapag agreed with most fans who felt the referees bungled the call but was quick to put the controversy behind him, saying Meralco's focus should be on trying to survive when Game Six is played on Wednesday.
[See Black sees red over non-call on Mercado traveling violation]
And more than the non-call, it was Meralco's poor game that cost it the win, the former MVP added.
"If it wasn't a travel - I thought it was - but again the referess didn't call it, you have to respect their call," said the veteran guard, whose team trailed early, 33-19, before a last-ditch stand fell short.
"The game wasn't won or lost on that, we just weren't good as a team," Alapag added.
Still, Alapag pointed out the series is far from over and the Bolts intend to be at their best in Game Six to salvage their quest for a first-ever PBA championship.
"Good thing is we have two-and-half days to figure it out and get ready for Wednesday," he said. "It's win or go home and we're not ready to go home yet."
[See Cone says Ginebra has 'nothing to apologize for' as Mercado insists refs called it right]
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