DEFENDING champion Ginebra was determined more than ever to deliver the coup de grace last Wednesday, but Meralco instead got two extra days to figure things out on how to gain a lifeline in the Big Dance.
Whether it was a delayed coronation, or a big break, will be known when the Kings and the Bolts clash tonight in Game 6 of their best-of-seven finals duel for the PBA Governors Cup crown at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The match is set at 6 p.m.
Ginebra’s mission remains the same– finish off Meralco and wrap up the race-to-four series and annex its fourth title in the last five editions of the season-ending tourney.
The Bolts are raring to forge Game 7 and keep alive their hopes of avoiding another bridesmaid finish against the Kings.
Game 6 was originally scheduled two days ago but was reset due to a fire at the Smart Araneta Coliseum caused by faulty wiring.
The deciding game, if necessary, will be on Sunday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Meralco coach Norman Black said what happened was beyond their control and their focus is on the task at hand.
“It’s out of our control so we will just adjust and get ready for the game tomorrow at the MOA Arena,” Black told Malaya-Business Insight yesterday. “We did push through with practice yesterday. All I can tell is that we are ready to play.”
Coming off a 110-115 loss in Game 5 last Sunday, the Bolts will count on import Tony Bishop, Chris Newsome, Aaron Black, Allein Maliksi, Cliff Hodge, Bong Quinto, Chris Banchero, and Raymond Almazan.
The likes of Best Import Justin Brownlee, conference top player Scottie Thompson, Christian Standhardinger, LA Tenorio, Arvin Tolentino, Nards Pinto, Jeff Chan, and Japeth Aguilar will lead Ginebra’s potent attack.
Meanwhile, pro league chief Willie Marcial heaved a big sigh of relief as the fire happened before Game 6 began.
“Buti nangyari na lang na wala pang mga tao,” Marcial said. “Kaya suwerte pa rin talaga tayo na ngayon kaagad nangyari at hindi sa kalagitnaan ng Game 6.”
Marcial is convinced the league will overcome the unfortunate incident.
“Talagang sinu-suwerte lang tayo sa mga nangyayari. Pero may dahilan naman siguro ito kaya nangyari,” he said. “Hindi ako nawawalan ng pag-asa, kung iyong pandemya nga nalaban natin, nabago natin, lahat nagawan natin ng paraan.”
