Game 7 a "player's game" according to Cone

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By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—Ginebra coach Tim Cone has a unique definition of what he believes is "the two best words in sports."

"Game 7 is always a player's game," Cone told the media after the Barangay mauled the Star Hotshots to force a rubber match in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.

[Related Story: Ginebra sends Clasico semis against Star to sudden death]

Cone later explained, "It's always coming down to who wants it more. It sounds cliché, but it's the absolute truth."

Coach Chito Victolero, in a separate interview, agreed with him.

"Yung X and O's, secondary na lang yun," the Star mentor added.

On the other hand, Cone turned his attention to the other semifinal matchup between TNT and San Miguel, which will also go the full length after the latter put up a huge rally down the stretch to steal Game 6 on Saturday night.

[Related Story: San Miguel surges in second half to force Game 7 against TNT]

"They've had a great series," he described the series so far.

Cone then said his belief that the winners of the knockout games could have a hard time gearing up for the championship round.

"If anybody makes the finals, it's gonna be so tough. I don't know if they will move forward after these two series," he particularly said.

But for Victolero, there is only one group which will Game 7, and that is the fans.

"Maganda para sa lahat ng fans ang Game 7," he said.

The KaTropa and the Beermen will square off for the first finals berth on Monday night, while the Manila Clasico semis will conclude the night after.

Both games will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay at 7 p.m.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno