Game six of best of seven: No game 7, we win it now – SMB

Game today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

7:30 p.m. – Alaska vs San Miguel

MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Beer, the playoff top seed that is back in the groove with decisive victories in the last two games, hopes to end today its search for a first PBA Philippine Cup crown in 14 years as it goes for the kill versus Alaska Milk in Game Six of their best-of-seven titular showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Game time is at 7:30 p.m. with the Beermen, the league’s winningest team, taking their first shot at closing out the series and wrapping up a fifth all-Filipino diadem and 20th title overall.

“We’re here to win a championship. We’re given the chance, so why not take it,” said coach Leo Austria, on the brink of winning a PBA title in his first conference as SMB bench chieftain.

“Alaska is tough to beat as they’re always well prepared, but I believe our guys are familiar now with what they (the Aces) are doing,” Austria also said.

 The Beermen are back on the run and have seemingly gotten the Aces’ number with an 88-70 rout in Game Four followed by a 93-88 decision in a tight, scrambling finish in Game Five.

The Aces, however, wouldn’t hear of that.

“There’s still life and we’re still hoping to be David slaying Goliath,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton. “If we can keep attacking the basket and playing with tremendous intensity, we would give ourselves a chance.”

“Though 2-3 down, our team exudes positive aura,” said Alaska assistant coach Louie Alas. “I feel the team would be explosive (in Game Six).”

Interestingly, Alaska has a good winning record to speak of in being down 2-3 in a best-of-seven finale.

The Aces have thrice survived that deficit to win a crown, twice at the expense of the Beermen.

“See you on Wednesday,” Alas told The STAR, confident they would be able to force a deciding Game Seven.

But SMB star forward Arwind Santos said no way they would lose if they’re able to sustain the effort they put up in the last two games.

“We would be tough to beat if we all play well together as we did the last time. It’s not just the two of us (him and Junemar Fajardo). The others stepped up,” said Santos of their Game Five triumph that sent them ahead in the series for the first time.

Santos and Fajardo scored 19 points apiece, Marcio Lassiter added 16 and four others chipped in at least seven each in a well-balanced SMB offense.

Calvin Abueva, Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss and Vic Manuel carried the load for the Aces as they went down fighting to the very end.

“It’s just a two-possession game, and we’re doing only little adjustments,” said Alas.

If Alaska finds success, the PBA sees a first Game Seven in Philippine Cup Finals in six years.

But one mistake could be fatal for Alaska and could allow SMB to nail a first crown since ruling the 2011 Governors Cup under coach Ato Agustin.

And if ever, Austria joins an elite of individuals who have won a PBA championship first as a player then as a coach. The list includes Fort Acuna, Robert Jaworski, Ely Capacio, Rino Salazar, Norman Black, Joel Banal and Agustin.

Austria was back-up point guard to Ronnie Magsanoc in the Shell squad that won the 1990 First Conference crown over Anejo.