Boxing Day, a British holiday being celebrated today, may not be observed here in the Philippines, but San Miguel could be in boxing mode against Talk 'n Text in Game 4 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals encounter.
While the sport is not what Boxing Day is all about, the Beermen look to deliver the haymaker against the Tropang Texters in their 7:00 PM post-Christmas match at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Leading 3-0 in the semis, San Miguel could go for the sweep of its emotional series with Talk 'n Text and book the first finals berth before the year ends.
Also, Coach Leo Austria and star player Arwind Santos will look to erase some memories of losing an early series lead and eventually getting knocked out.
“We need four wins to close it out. They still have their chance, and we shouldn’t be complacent. We should be smart. Naka-experience na ako ng masakit na talo as a player sa PBA. Ayaw kong maulit yon,” said Austria, a player of the 1991 Shell Turbochargers squad that squandered a 3-1lead before bowing to Ginebra in the first conference.
On the other hand, Santos, who witnessed the Beermen, formerly the Petron Blaze Boosters, fall to the Texters in the 2012 Philippine Cup semis despite leading 3-1, said, “Dapat na matuto kami sa lesson noon. We have to be on our toes always."
History, however, could be on the SMB side as no team fought back from 0-3 down to win a race-to-four playoff affair.
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