SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Will the red-hot San Mig Super Coffee Mixers end the series and become a part of history tonight?
Up 3-1, coach Tim Cone’s wards will shoot for the championship tonight to hand the Mixers mentor his 16th PBA title, the most in the PBA’s rich history.
But the Elasto Painters are hoping to spoil the party and stay alive in the series, with aims to become only the 4th team to overcome a 1-3 deficit.
Game 5 of the PLDT Home DSL PBA Philippine Cup finals starts at 4 p.m. and shall be preceded by Game 1 of the PBA D-League Aspirants Cup finals between the NLEX Road Warriors and the Big Chill Super Chargers starting 1 pm.
GAME 4: San Mig 93, Rain or Shine 90
What went right for San Mig: Everyone played the hero role for the Mixers last Friday. James Yap had a hot start, drilling 3 treys in the first period. After Pingris went out after being accidentally hit by JR Quinahan in a rebound play, multiple players stepped up to give San Mig Coffee the win. Rookie Ian Sangalang continued his efficiency with 17 points and 8 boards; Joe Devance (12 points) and Mark Barroca (17 points, 8 assists) also took over in the 4th quarter.
What went wrong for Rain or Shine: Come to think of it, the Painters actually dominated the offensive glass, second points, and turnover points. However, their chances of tying the series went down the drain when their 6-pt cushion heading into the 4th period quickly evaporated. Pingris went out, but they were unable to match the energy of San Mig’s sub Sangalang, and the duo of Devance and Barroca in the end game. As a result, Rain or Shine lost another tight affair in the last second.
Keys to victory
San Mig: The Mixers shot 50% from downtown in Game 4. However, they turned the ball over 17 times, leading to 22 points for RoS. They also allowed 13 offensive boards and 19 second chance points for the Painters. They should be more aggressive and change those hustle stats. The Barroca-Sangalang connection has been solid in Game 4 as well while Yap and Devance tallied good scores. Everyone must be super sharp for the Mixers, even if Pingris returns from injury.
Rain or Shine: While Lee is having a superb offensive game (28 points in Game 4), almost everyone else is struggling for Coach Yeng Guiao’s troops. A paltry 9-of-29 shooting from rainbow country won’t help at all. Guiao’s boys fired blanks all game long instead of going for the high-percentage shot. Alex Nuyles and Jeric Teng went scoreless, while the trio of Chris Tiu, Ryan Araña and Jireh Ibañes only totalled 11. Those numbers must change if they want to stay alive in this showdown.
X-Factors
San Mig: Mark Barroca
The Smart Gilas point guard dished out 8 assists, including key dimes to Sangalang in the payoff period. He also hit big baskets in the 4th to help San Mig win. He had a difficult time in the past games but it’s now or never for Barroca tonight.
Rain or Shine: Jeff Chan
The E-Painters’ main shooter missed all of his 6 attempts from three-point territory in Game 4, contributing to 9-of-29 team 3-pt field goals.
What this game means: At stake tonight is a chance to become the winningest coach in PBA history with 16 titles. But that is far away from Tim Cone’s mind right now because his immediate mission is to make it back to back for San Mig. How will Rain or Shine respond, facing their first do-or-die game this season? We will know the answer tonight. –Rappler.com
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