EXPECT Philippine Basketball Association hostilities to reach a boiling point tomorrow after its two quarterfinal series were extended to the full route.
All four coaches and their players are aware of what’s at stake, so tomorrow’s game (Wednesday) is going to be war as all four teams want to enter the semis and extend their life span in the Commissioner’s Cup.
‘’We’re not ready to go home yet. We want to extend our conference so we’ll bring it on in Game 3. It would definitely be difficult but we know we have a chance. The better team on this game would take it and hopefully we can get it and advance,’’ said Air21 import Alpha Bangura, who keyed the Express’ Game 2 win over the Aces, 94-84, with 40 points.
‘’We know that we have a good chance against Alaska if we play hard and execute our defense right. I expect them to bounce back and play better in Game 3, but I hope we can still get another win,’’ said Air21 coach Bong Ramos.
Alaska coach Tim Cone expressed the same view, as he urges his team to raise their level of play.
‘I told my players that this is a different Air21 team now. This is a obviously a stronger team with the addition of the veterans from San Miguel. They are showing us they are a tough team and we need to respond and play our best for us to win,’’ Cone said.
Rain Or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, meanwhile, also exhorted his team to play with the same intensity that they have shown in Game 2.
“They (Elastopainters) showed that they can handle pressure. It would not be easy of course against Ginebra and I don’t know if I’m asking too much but hopefully, we can do the same thing in the deciding game,’’ said Guiao, after Rain or Shine drubbed the Gin Kings, 113-97 to force the rubber match.
The winner of the Alaska and Air21 affair will face top seeded Talk ‘N Text in the semis, while the victor of the Ginebra and Rain or Shine dance will take on Smart-Gilas Pilipinas.
Meanwhile, Smart-Gilas Pilipinas confirmed that the team will no longer participate in the third conference.
0 Comments
