After 0-2 deficit, Magnolia eyes go-ahead win vs SMB

After 0-2 deficit, Magnolia eyes go-ahead win vs SMB

RIDING on a two-game winning streak, Magnolia Chicken Timplados looks to claim the lead against San Miguel in the PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Game Five of their best-of-seven championship series is scheduled at 6:15 p.m.

After losing the first two games in lopsided fashion, the Hotshots are now on the cusp of gaining headway in the series after evening up the title showdown on Friday with a 96-85 victory.

Victolero says SMB still has the edge

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero praised the team’s tenacity but stressed that they must maintain the level of play from the previous two games since he still believes San Miguel still has the edge in the series, which is now down to a best-of-three.

Victolero largely credited the two-day break between Games Two and Three that enabled Magnolia to regroup and tie the series up. He highlighted the importance of Game Five with another two-day respite on the horizon.

“Right now, we just need to dig deep and grind this Game Five so that we can get another two days of rest. Again, this is not over. But we like our chances now,” said Victolero.

After a 2-0 lead in the series, San Miguel is now facing questions entering Game Five.

Fajardo a doubtful starter

June Mar Fajardo claimed after Game Four that he is ready to play for the rest of the series, but his status is still unclear after he injured his calf on Friday.

Bennie Boatwright, hounded all night by Tyler Bey, was cold in Game Four as he only knocked down a conference-low one three-pointer.

On the other hand, Bey found a way to score and defend at the same time after collecting 26 points, 12 rebounds, and six steals in Game Four.

“I like the effort and the aura of my team,” said Victolero. “We are doing well right now offensively and defensively. But hindi ‘yun advantage. We are still the underdog in this series.”