THE PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup finals is back to square one with San Miguel and Meralco headed towards a virtual best-of-three.
On Independence Day, the Beermen came away with a 111-101 win over the Bolts to even things up at 2-2. Friday’s game could then be a turning point as the winner will be on the cusp of another title.
Here are some of the keys to Game Five.
San Miguel vs. Meralco
Series tied at 2-2
When: Friday, June 14, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Watch: RPTV, PBA Rush, Pilipinas Live
NEWSOME NEEDS SUPPORT
Chris Newsome scored in bunches for Meralco by pouring on 40 points, but it didn’t help the cause as they lost Game Four. Other players must step up in order for the Bolts to have a shot at winning Game Five. San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent even said that they will take Newsome’s point production as long as other players don't score as much.
TR7 COMES ALIVE
Terrence Romeo made a surprise appearance in Game Four and delivered by chipping in seven points despite playing through a calf injury. Clearly, the defending champions got a big boost from Romeo and will need him again in Game Five. On the other side, Meralco has to contain Romeo especially with him stils far from full strength.
ALMAZAN A NON-FACTOR AGAIN
Raymond Almazan wasn’t productive at all in Game Four. He's turning out to be the barometer for the Bolts as in losses, he's only averaging 1.0 points and 4.0 blocks. Meralco needs his presence especially with June Mar Fajardo becoming a factor last Wednesday when he had 28 points and 13 rebounds.
MAKE IT A HIGH-SCORING GAME
Needless to say, San Miguel, with all their firepower, will have to make it another high-octane affair in Game Five. The Beermen scored their series-best on Wednesday when they totalled 111 points, something that the Bolts, being one of the top defensive teams in the league, shouldn't let happen again. Fajardo already got going early in the game for San Miguel with 12 points, while CJ Perez had 10 in the first half.
MALIKSI HAS TO STEP UP
After Game One’s performance where he had 16 points, Allein Maliksi hasn’t got back to that same form. Over the past three games, Maliksi averaged 8.3 points and made three threes. Field goal-wise, Maliksi is only shooting 7-of-25 in the past three matches.
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