Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series between San Miguel Beer and Alaska set yesterday (July 18) has been postponed due to potential severe weather conditions (Orange warning) as announced by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The game will be played on Friday, 7 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with the Beermen aiming for a 3-0 sweep and a return trip to the finals.
Meanwhile, the postponed Game 2 between Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine hopefully resumes today at 7 p.m.
With a 1-0 lead, the Gin Kings shoot for their ninth straight victory and a solid 2-0 lead, even as the Elasto Painters gun for the equalizer.
Ginebra took Game 1, 102-89, Sunday night in a dominant Game 1 performance to win its eighth straight game dating back to the elimination round.
Import Justin Brownlee was a steady force, while Jeff Chan finally had a breakthrough performance as a Gin King as the two led their team’s charge in the opener. Brownlee scored 35 points, while Chan hit 21 markers, his most productive in a Ginebra uniform thus far.
“It’s not a long series so it’s key for us to have an early advantage,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “We’re continuing to play our game and have the required defense to compete at this level. That’s been our ammo. So far, so good. I hope we can continue to do it.”
In Game 1, the Gin Kings missed the services of injured forward Japeth Aguilar, who is still a game-time decision today.
“There’s still a swelling on Japeth’s Achilles and we still don’t know if he can go. We surely hope he can for Game 2. It’s 50-50,” Cone said.
While Rain or Shine import Reggie Johnson scored 30, the Painters failed to get ample contributions from their locals.
Johnson certainly needs some more help from his pals if the Elasto Painters are to avoid a deep 0-2 hole against the red hot Gin Kings.