San Mig shoots for finals ticket tonight, but will Ginebra say die?

Levi Verora

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PBA writer Levi Verora breaks down tonight's knockout game between San Mig Coffee and Barangay Ginebra

COFFEE OR GIN? Marc Pingris of San Mig Coffee contends for a loose ball against Chris Ellis and Japeth Aguilar of Ginebra. The series, like the ball, is also up in the air. Photo by Nuki Sabio/PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – The San Mig Super Coffee Mixers shoot for the jugular tonight when they battle Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 6 of their Manila Clasico PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series at Smart Araneta Coliseum. San Mig, who are up 3-2 in their best-of-seven series, could close out the series with a win, while Ginebra seeks a victory to force a do-or-die game seven.

Game 5: San Mig Coffee 79, Brgy. Ginebra 76

What went right for San Mig: Mark Barroca was all the place, outshining everybody else playing at the backcourt. The ‘Coffee prince’ scored 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in the match, also setting up James Yap for the huge go-ahead trey that made the difference in the end game.

What went wrong for Ginebra: Ginebra’s starters were all limited; Greg Slaughter was only good for 9 points. Mac Baracael was 1 of 6 from three point land while LA Tenorio was visibly outplayed by Barroca throughout the match.

Keys to Victory

San Mig: 80 is the Mixers’ magic number. They must limit their opponent down to that scoring output for a better window at winning. Barroca has been spectacular and he must bring it again tonight while Coach Tim Cone’s bigs must keep Ginebra’s towers out of the match.

Ginebra: It’s Tenorio’s time to shine tonight, having been limitied to just 9 points on Saturday. As a team, the Kings ended up shooting just 35.8% in Game 5, including just 18.8% from three-point land. Those numbers should increase if Coach Ato Agustin wants a decider.

X-Factors

San Mig: Rafi Reavis

Reavis’ pesky defense, length, and hustle is vital especially inside the lane, going up against Ginebra’s bigs. How he uses his presence tonight will be huge for San Mig.

Ginebra: Chris Ellis

Ellis topscored with 20 points for Ginebra the last time out although Yap spoiled that big night. Ellis is on a mission in this series and his team could use another great outing from him tonight.

What this game means: San Mig wants to book the final ticket to the championship round as they try to commence with another Cinderella run. Ginebra meanwhile wants to prove they’re indeed the number 1 team and extend this series to a rubber match. – Rappler.com

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