SAN MIGUEL BEER GOES FOR 5TH PHIL CUP TITLE

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Back in the groove and back on the run, the San Miguel Beermen are determined to no longer look back and not to let up in an effort to finish off the Alaska Aces in Game Six of their PBA Philippine Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

Game time is at 7:30 p.m. with the Beermen eager to snuff the life out of the Aces and claim a first PBA crown since their 2011 Governors’ Cup title run under coach Ato Agustin.

“Kung makukuha na sa Linggo, masarap na regalo sa amin,” said coach Leo Austria, on the brink of joining an elite roster of personalities who have won a championship in the local pro league first as a player and then as a coach.

“We’re here to win a championship. We’re given the chance, so why not take it,” said Austria, wary of letting the Aces survive and force a deciding Game Seven.

Interestingly, Alaska has a good winning record to speak of in being down 2-3 in a best-of-seven finale, having thrice overcome that deficit to win a crown, twice at the expense of the Beermen.

The Aces are confident of getting a shot at repeating history.

“See you on Wednesday,” said Alaska assistant coach Louie Alas at the end of his phone talk with this sportswriter.

“Ang ganda ng aura ng team. For our guys, the last time was just another loss. I won’t be surprised if they come out very explosive (in Game Six),” Alas pointed out.

“There’s still life and we’re still hoping to be David slaying Goliath,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton. “If we can keep attacking the basket and playing with tremendous intensity, we would give ourselves a chance.”

They’re not bothered much by the virtual disappearance of Jvee Casio in the last two games that Alaska both lost.

“Yung team kasi namin kahit may isang player na hindi maglaro, we’re capable of winning. What more if we’re complete,” said Alas.

Slowed down by a health woe, Casio went 0-of-2 in Game Four and 0-of-8 in Game Five. Before his slump, the former Gilas Pilipinas player averaged 12.6 points in the series.

Alaska head coach Compton expressed confidence, though, “Jvee will be fine.”

Compton doesn’t intend to make much adjustments in their game, noting they just lost Game Five at endgame.

But SMB star forward Arwind Santos said no way they would lose if they’re able to sustain the effort they put up in the last two games.

“Kung sabay-sabay kaming maglalaro ng maganda, mahirap kaming talunin,” said Santos.

Santos and Fajardo scored 19 points apiece, Marcio Lassiter added 16 and four others chipped in at least seven each in a well-balanced SMB offense.

Calvin Abueva, Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss and Vic Manuel carried the load for the Aces as they went down fighting to the very end.

If Alaska finds success in its adjustments, the PBA may see a first Game Seven in Philippine Cup Finals in six years.

But one mistake could be fatal for Alaska and could hand SMB a first all-Filipino championship in 14 years.

The Beermen are in pursuit of a fifth Philippine Cup crown and 20th in all.

And if ever, Austria joins an elite of individuals who have won a PBA championship first as a player, then as a coach. The list includes Fort Acuna, Robert Jaworski, Ely Capacio, Rino Salazar, Norman Black, Joel Banal and Agustin.

Austria was back-up point guard to Ronnie Magsanoc in the Shell squad that won the 1990 First Conference crown over Añejo. (SB)

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