Will there be finally a close game?
For both Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel, that hardly matters as both teams aim on gaining a critical upperhand as they resume their slugfest in their-best-of-seven championship tilt in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
Following two blowout games to open the series, many are wondering when the first nip-and-tuck battle will be and if Game 3 scheduled at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum can present a different script.
While enthusiasts hope for a nail-biter between the two protagonists, the Gin Kings and Beermen, tied at 1-1 after splitting the first two games, couldn’t care less as they both think about is having an important edge midway in the series.
“Like we adjusted in Game 2, we expect the same from Ginebra for Game 3. We know what they are capable of,” said San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria. “We just want to continue focusing for us to get the lead in the series.”
Ginebra coach Tim Cone clearly wants his team to be more prepared for the Beermen’s avalanche this time around.
“Now, we know. That team (San Miguel), they are who they are for a reason. They sent that message to us strong and clear,” said Cone. “We have to be more ready for what they have for us.”
Cone was indeed on point as the Beermen bounced back mightily in Game 2, annihilating the Gin Kings, 134-109, to emphatically even the series and give Ginebra a dose of what they received in the series opener.
It was a complete reversal of fortunes last Sunday night as it was the defending champions’ turn to dish out a beatdown after the Gin Kings took the opener with a stunning 127-99 rout.
Alex Cabagnot shone brightest in Game 2, exploding for a career-high 33 points to lead San Miguel Beer in the intense match that saw Chris Ross and Arwins Santos getting ejected late in the fourth quarter.
Expect the same amount of fireworks in Game 3 with both teams looking to move closer to the title.