Backs against the wall, the number 2 seed must show extreme mental toughness to survive.
The San Miguel Beermen entered the semifinals of the 2023 Governors’ Cup living up to the billing of a team with a 9-2 record in the eliminations. But now, they’re down 0-2 in the best-of-five series against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. On the brink of elimination after a 121-103 defeat, SMB must remain defiant for a chance at survival.
Beermen coach Jorge Gallent displayed exactly that as he talked about what needs to be done for his squad to remain in contention.
“We have to think of Game 3 only. We have to win Game 3, and put their mindset that we’re not on vacation yet,” Gallent said.
For the second straight conference, SMB find themselves trailing 0-2 in the semis. They previously lost in four games to the Bay Area Dragons. They’re hoping to change their fortunes against the defending champions. They’ve got a tough task in front of them.
Gallent, however, isn’t about to give up on his wards. He has embraced the challenge of leading the Beermen to an unlikely comeback against an opponent running like a well-oiled machine at the moment.
“Ginebra has to win three games to enter the finals, and it just only won two. As long as there is a chance, it is my job to push them to get one win, which is Game 3,” the San Miguel headmaster said.
SMB is the only franchise in the PBA to ever come out of a 0-3 hole and win a championship series. That said, they have yet to emerge victorious after falling behind 0-2 in a best-of-five.
The Beermen will be gunning for history tomorrow as they face Barangay Ginebra in Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.