After a week off, Rain or Shine and Magnolia resume hostilities as they plunge back to action in a critical Game 4 in their best-of-seven semifinals showdown in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup playoffs.
Still ahead, 2-1, the Elasto Painters want to move closer to the finals, while the Hotshots are looking to equalize as they are set to face off again at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.
Now back in the series, Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is optimistic of his team’s chances moving forward.
“We really believed that all it takes is for us to win a game to be in the series and be in a fair position,” said Victolero. “We’re back in the series now and we’re hoping we can continue what we started.”
The Hotshots were finally able to show up in Game 3, listing an 85-74 triumph last Apr. 16 before the Holy Week break to put one up on the series scoreboard.
Ian Sangalang broke through, leading Magnolia with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds to help get his team back in the series.
Sangalang’s steady performance most certainly drew the attention of Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.
According to the Painters’ coach, containing Sangalang inside will be a big key for Rain or Shine as it looks to be on the brink of the finals.
“We need to find ways to stop Ian Sangalang,” said Garcia. “He is starting to be more and more effective and we need to counter that.”
Meanwhile, four-time defending champion San Miguel Beer is looking to push Phoenix on the brink as it is currently shooting for a 3-0 lead in the other semis clash.