SAN Miguel goes or a place in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Friday night against Barangay Ginebra. With TNT already eliminating Meralco in Game 5, the SMB-Ginebra match-up will be the lone game of the night. Expect a huge crowd to come to the Smart-Araneta Coliseum for this big outing.
Here is a preview by looking at the storylines of Game 6:
SAN MIGUEL VS. BARANGAY GINEBRA
When: Friday, January 16. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
SMB goes for the finish
San Miguel holds a 3-2 lead in the semifinals after beating Barangay Ginebra in Game 5, 115-109. The Beermen can close the series on Friday and advance to the finals where TNT awaits.
Ginebra in familiar territory
Ginebra comes to Game 6 in a very familiar situation trying to extend the semifinal series. During last season’s Philippine Cup, Ginebra was also in a 3-2 hole but the Gin Kings were able to force a rubber match after LA Tenorio’s heroics sent them to an 88-87 win. Ginebra will try to repeat not just forcing a Game 7, but win the do-or-die game this time.
June Mar looks A-OK
The worst could be over as far as June Mar Fajardo’s injured shoulder is concerned following his Game 5 performance where he had 21 points and 11 rebounds against Ginebra. Fajardo said the two days in between Games 4 and 5 allowed him to rest and heal his shoulder.
Troy Rosario injury
Troy Rosario is a game-time decision for Friday as he deals with a groin injury, leading to the versatile forward to only play for 11 minutes and scoring just a point on 1-of-6 shooting from the free-throw line. His likely absence could have a significant effect on Ginebra’s chances of winning Game Six.
Torres misfires in Game 5
Norbert Torres had a shaky Game 5 as he went 0-of-4 from the field including three misses from three-point range. His ability to hit the three-point shots in the series has helped Ginebra in creating space inside, so it will be important for him to regain his stroke come Game 6.
Vets showing experience at the most crucial time
Game 5 saw the combination of Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross showing their playoff form. Lassiter regained his form by recording 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from three-point range, while Ross had an all-around game of nine points, three rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and two blocks in Game 5. When it comes to the closeout games, the veterans can be relied on.
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