(PBA image)
FOR Barangay Ginebra, the two-day breather after Game 3 was very much welcome especially as coach Tim Cone uses a short rotation, with his core players playing heavy minutes.
But it was beneficial to the San Miguel Beermen as well, especially to June Mar Fajardo who’s nursing a calf injury and playing managed minutes.
With a good rest after grueling actions in three games over five days, the Gin Kings and the Beermen are expected to return with renewed vigor and energy as they collide in Game 4 of their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals showdown at the MOA Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday.
It’s a critical match with the Gin Kings looking to stretch their series lead to 3-1. A win for the Beermen in the 5 p.m. duel, however, will send the two teams back to scratch.
For Fajardo, it’s still a long series, and they intend to make it once again a tied series.
“Bawi next time, mahaba pa ang series,” said the eight-time MVP winner after their 100-90 loss in Game 3.
But the Gin Kings are determined to make it two in a row and bury the Beermen in a deeper hole.
With a deeper rotation, the Beermen may well have the advantage if they can make it a long series or a war of attrition.
Cone takes the risk of shuffling only six to seven guys who could be at a disadvantage because of bruised bodies and tired legs if—let’s say—they’re to play a Game 7.
But at 2-1 now, they have the psychological advantage and the momentum as they try to move a win shy of wrapping up the series.
“We’ll try the best we can to get the next game, although alam natin na mabigat ang San Miguel, and they have what it takes to bounce back from a loss,” said Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson.
Thompson, Stephen Holt, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, Jamie Malonzo and RJ Abarrientos are six players sharing heavy load for the Kings.