As "new Finals series" beckons, "war" is expected in Game 5

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By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals series now boils down to its last three games with both TNT and San Miguel splitting the first four meetings.

"It's a virtual best-of-three, so this is a new series," said Beermen coach Leo Austria.

The virtual race to two begins with Game 5 of the championship round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, where both the KaTropa and the Beermen eye a pivotal 3-2 series lead.

With SMB on the losing end of Game 4, Austria believes his team should upgrade its game in order to bounce back.

"We have to step up. We should keep our intensity high," continued Austria.

TNT mentor Nash Racela expressed awareness of it.

"Expect them not to back down. We'll find ways to win just like how we did it [in Game 4]," said Racela.

As the emotions continue to run high, Racela has this to describe Game 5: "It's gonna be a war."

Game 5 is scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

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