PBA: Game 4 is do-or-die for Magnolia | ABS-CBN

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PBA: Game 4 is do-or-die for Magnolia

PBA: Game 4 is do-or-die for Magnolia

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Jan 10, 2019 03:01 PM PHT

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The Magnolia Hotshots are treating Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals as a do-or-die game already. Richard Esguerra, ABS-CBN Sports

MANILA, Philippines – After being routed in back-to-back games by defending champion San Miguel Beer, the Magnolia Hotshots know they simply cannot afford to lose in Game 4 of the 2017-18 PBA Philippine Cup finals.

The Hotshots were unable to build on their remarkable 105-103 come-from-behind win in Game 1, which saw them overhaul a 20-point deficit. In Games 2 and 3 of the best-of-seven series, they could not pull off similar rallies. San Miguel equalized with a 92-77 win in Game 2, then crushed the Hotshots, 111-87, in Game 3 last Sunday.

From up 1-0 in the series with momentum on their side, the Hotshots are now down 1-2 and are dealing with a very confident San Miguel team.

"Medyo pressured kami," admitted Ian Sangalang, who scored only six points in Game 3. "Kailangan naming manalo the next game."

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Game 4 of the best-of-7 series, which will be held on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum, is virtually a do-or-die affair for the Hotshots – and they know it.

"Hindi kami pwedeng ma-down ng 3-1," said Sangalang. "Titingnan namin kung ano ang pwede naming gawin para manalo kami."

"Backs against the wall talaga kami ngayon," admitted Mark Barroca, who had a team-high 22 points in Game 3 but ran out of steam in the fourth period when the Beermen began to pull away. "I-treat namin ang game (as do-or-die), kasi mahirap na ma-3-1."

Barroca noted that if they win Game 4, the complexion of the series will change drastically. "Kailangan makabalik kami sa 0-0, para at least humaba ang series," he said.

But this task is easier said than done.

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero has yet to come up with a solution to the multiple problems posed by San Miguel. They have had some success in limiting June Mar Fajardo for the past two games, but the Hotshots cannot contain the rest of the San Miguel starters. In Game 3, they ran into even more trouble as the SMB reserves came up with big contributions.

Still, the Hotshots believe that if they can just play with greater intensity and energy than San Miguel, they can still pull off the upset.

"Kailangan mas more energy (kami) sa kanila," said Sangalang.

"Expected naman namin na talagang malakas ang San Miguel," said Paul Lee. "Siguro ano lang, sabi sa amin ni Kuya Ping (Marc Pingris) at ng mga coaches, doblehin lang namin ang effort namin, lalo na sa depensa."

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.

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