SAN Miguel looks to return to the PBA Philippine Cup finals on Sunday when it aims for Ginebra's jugular in Game 6 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen are aiming for their eighth finals appearance over the last 11 years in the all-local conference when they play against the Gin Kings at 5 p.m.
Like other close out games in the past, the Beermen expect a tough one against the Gin Kings, known for their never-say-die mentality which they expect to be in full display with their season on the line.
“This team, you cannot count them out right away,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria. “Alam naman natin, ‘yung kanilang puso, never say die. So expect the next game, it will be a hard game for both of us because we have a chance to close out the series. But I’m sure, it’s not easy to get that.”
San Miguel put itself closer to a return to the finals following a 103-92 win in Game 5, becoming the first team to win back-to-back games in this semifinal series.
READ: SMB sends Ginebra to the brink of elimination with Game 5 win
It was also the first time the Beermen led in the best-of-seven affair after dropping Game 1. Since then, both teams took turns in winning each games until Game 6.
San Miguel also won despite being outbounded, 51-40, in Game 5, but it made up for it by shooting 39-of-77 from the field or 50.6 percent with Barangay Ginebra only making 30-of-81 attempts or 37 percent.
“I think you have to appreciate that team. Even though maraming mga players na coming from mga injuries, they are still trying to recover,” said Austria.
CJ Perez had 31 points, his highest output of the semifinals since Game 1 where he had 21 in a 73-71 loss last June 25.
On Sunday, Jericho Cruz will also look to repeat his production in Game 5 where he amassed his season-high 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field.
“Siyempre, ‘yung series na ito, especially coming up (na game), kailangan naming manalo sa next game namin,” said Cruz.
“Pero ito ‘yung pinakamahirap. Siyempre they will give everything they’ve got. Ganun din kami. So it’s going to be a good game. Talagang panonoorin itong game na ‘to. Kami, hindi kami magpapatalo.”
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