One deciding game for all the marbles.
It will be dynasty against destiny when San Miguel Beer and Magnolia swing for the fences as they dispute the crown in the winner-take-all Game 7 in their best-of-seven championship tilt in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
With everything squared at 3-3, it all boils down to Game 7 now as the protagonists see each other one last time at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to see who will reign supreme.
The Beermen are looking for an unprecedented fifth straight All-Filipino conference championship, while the Hotshots are looking to carve their own dynasty by possibly winning their second title in a row after reigning supreme in last season’s Governors’ Cup.
Even if his squad was unable to close out on its first try in Game 6, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero remains optimistic of their chances.
“We’re still in it. We still have a chance to get the championship,” said Victolero. “All we want is to be in a position to win the championship and we can still achieve that in Game 7.”
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria is banking on his team’s championship experience and poise in the pressure-packed Game 7 ahead.
“With a lot of experience, our players know what it takes to win. I hope we can show that in Game 7. We know what’s at stake,” said Austria.
Best Player of the Conference June Mar Fajardo is one again expected to backstop San Miguel Beer, while the talented backcourt of Paul Lee and Mark Barroca are ready to give the Hotshots a lift.
Facing serious adversity after being down 2-3, the four-time defending champions responded and delivered in Game 6 last Sunday night, routing the Hotshots, 98-86, to stay alive and force the decider.
After struggling for most part of the series, Beermen gunner Marcio Lassiter broke out of his slump at the perfect time in Game 6, scoring 20 points to lead San Miguel Beer in the elimination game.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine traded away versatile big man Raymond Almazan to Meralco in exchange for two future first round picks.
This was a big move for the Bolts as they are in dire need of a steady big man.
As for the Elasto Painters, the transition to a more youthful core continues as the two first-round picks
they are bound to receive will help them further.