MAGNOLIA looks to book a return trip to the finals on Wednesday as it faces Meralco in Game Five of the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Hotshots face the Bolts at 3 p.m., looking to make it back to the finals after runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2019.
Despite holding a 3-1 series lead, the Hotshots know all too well that finishing off the Bolts will be difficult.
“Based on my experience, mahirap mag-close ng series,” said Magnolia guard Mark Barroca. “’Yung effort na binigay namin, kailangan i-triple namin. Hindi ibibigay ‘yan. Kung kami nasa sitwasyon nila, ‘yun talaga ang gagawin namin.”
Magnolia gained a two-game advantage after an 81-69 win over Meralco with Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva, and Barroca tallying 17 points apiece.
“We need to do multiple effort. We have to be aggressive. We have to be consistent with our energy,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
Meralco tries to keep season alive
Meralco got welcome news before Game 5 with Raymond Almazan, Trevis Jackson, and Jammer Jamito in the line-up for the important clash.
Meanwhile, San Miguel and TNT aim to take the lead in their closely-contested series at 6 p.m.
The Beermen drew even after outclassing TNT, 116-90, on Sunday in the second consecutive game where the result was lopsided.
“It’s now a best-of-three so Game 5 is really pivotal. We expect our opponents to step up and we have to be ready to counter and adjust to whatever they bring,” SMB coach Leo Austria said.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
