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NOW is the time to find out the stuff San Mig Coffee is really made of.

Ranged against a Rain or Shine crew seemingly on the rampage, the Mixers are set to dig deep within themselves and try to ease the pressure off their backs Saturday in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the MOA Arena.

A win will foil what Rain or Shine plans to be a big celebration and narrow San Mig’s deficit in the best-of-seven duel at two games to three.

At least Mixers coach Tim Cone hopes so.

“Certainly, we’re all discouraged at this point,” said Cone Friday, a day after his squad lost a second straight game to the tune of a 74-83 decision.

“We didn’t foresee ourselves being down 3-1 again, but yesterday ended last night and now we have to find ourselves out of the hole. That won’t happen feeling sorry for ourselves.”

What gives the 14-time champion coach hope is the fact his team was also faced with the same deficit against the same squad in their Commissioner’s Cup finals series but showed mettle by stretching that series into a deciding Game 7.

Then known as the B-Meg Llamados, Cone’s charges ultimately lost, but things could be drastically different this time should they get that far.

But first things first.

“The key is rediscovering our spirit,” said Cone.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao knows fully well that San Mig has the tools and will to stretch the series, that’s why he wants his players to stoke their own fire, maintain their focus and get the job done right away.

“Our plan is to finish it on Saturday. Habang nagtatagal delikado kami kaya kung kayang tapusin tatapusin na agad,” said Guiao in the post-game interview Thursday.

“P’wedeng mag-iba ang complexion ng series kung pababayaan, pero di na namin pababayaan ito,” he added.

Guiao also noted the fact Cone has given his key players extended minutes on court, with James Yap logging the most with 42 minutes the last time out. PJ Simon, Marc Pingris and Joe Devance saw action for at least 29 minutes each.

In contrast, Gabe Norwood’s 32 minutes was the most played by any Rain or Shine player, with Jervy Cruz’s 30 coming as the closest.

“We’re fresher, sharper at this point,” stressed Guiao.

And there is also the more balanced effort being displayed by the E-Painters.

Paul Lee was not his usual self with only two points in Game 4, but Norwood, Ryan Arana, Jeff Chan and Chris Tiu scored at least 10 points each. Their defense was also emphasized when they made three crucial stops inside the last minute after the Mixers had closed to within 74-77.

Cone has some questions about Rain or Shine’s defense, especially on Yap by the likes of Jireh Ibanes, Ryan Arana, Ronnie Matias and even Norwood.

Yap scored a gamehigh 20 points last Thursday but he shot just 7-for-17 from the floor and committed three errors, including a crucial one inside the last 30 seconds.

“I’m not going to say too much about it because we need our focus elsewhere,” said Cone. “But in my 24 years (in the league) I’ve never seen a superstar like James receive so little protection from the referees or the league.

“I’m really at a loss what to do and my heart bleeds for James.” (NC)

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