Question Of Momentum

Now the complexion of the series has really reverted to its original hue — San Miguel Beer and Red Bull carrying their old tags as they play Game Five of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven title playoff at the Araneta Coliseum today.

The Beermen are again the odds-on favorites and the Thunder the underdogs although grizzled PBA watchers believe the playoff is now anybody’s game with the series now down to a best-of-three affair.

Nevertheless, coaches Jong Uichico and Yeng Guiao felt they have their advantages going into the pivotal Game Five set at 7:30 p.m.

"We have the momentum and the pressure will be heavy on their side," said Uichico after his Beermen made it two in a row in Game Four Sunday to send their series with the Thunder back to scratch.

Guiao quickly refuted Uichico’s statement.

He said: "Many say the momentum has shifted to San Miguel after it won the last two games. In a manner of speaking, I can say yes. But we have a counter-action or counter-measure to that. Kerby (Raymundo) and Junthy (Valenzuela) are returning in Game Five. Remember, we’ve yet to lose to San Miguel with a complete lineup."

He added: "With regards to pressure being heavy on our side, what pressure is he talking about? We really face pressure but this is the kind of pressure we put on ourselves not pressure coming from the outside. Wala ngang naniwala na makakarating kami sa finals. When we beat San Miguel in the first two games, we put pressure on ourselves because there’s also the chance to beat them."