The well-rested San Miguel Beermen wish their lengthy break will do them good once they begin their PBA Philippine Cup finals showdown with the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, June 5.
As far as preparation is concerned, San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent admitted struggling in the lead-up to the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup finals against Meralco.
After their quick conquest of Rain or Shine in the penultimate round where they swept the Elasto Painters in four games last May 24, the Beermen spent the next seven days doing scrimmages as they awaited the winner between Meralco or Ginebra whose semifinal duel went the distance.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: CJ Perez shines in homestretch as San Miguel sweeps Rain or Shine, advances to Finals]
The Bolts eventually got the better of their playoff rivals, the Gin Kings, in Game Seven last Friday, May 31, to set up the titular clash with defending champion San Miguel.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Chris Banchero, Meralco stun Ginebra in Game 7, reach PH Cup Finals for first time]
Jericho Cruz reacts during San Miguel and Meralco's elimination round encounter at the Batangas City Coliseum last May 4. | Photo (c) PBA
“We couldn’t prepare because we didn’t know who we are playing against. We just prepared right after Friday (May 31),” said Gallent during the finals press conference on Monday, June 3, at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas.
Meralco and the Beermen finally begin their best-of-seven clash on Wednesday, June 5.
[RELATED STORY: PBA schedule: San Miguel, Meralco figure in Philippine Cup title showdown]
Gallent said that the lengthy break might leave the Beermen a bit rusty heading to Game One, but he is drawing confidence from their dual preparation.
“But we’re kind of OK kasi we did a lot of scrimmages and a lot of talking as to what to do in case Ginebra or Meralco wins. So, we’re kind of OK,” said Gallent.
“I’m just scared we might be rusty. But we’ll see on Wednesday," added Gallent.
San Miguel is facing a defensive-minded Bolts who overhauled a 2-3 series deficit in the semis against playoff tormentor Ginebra, prevailing in Games Six and Seven. Meralco thus won a best-of-seven series and a Game Seven for the first time in franchise history to string back-to-back playoff victories over the Gin Kings, who won the first six.
The Bolts also earned their first passage to the Philippine Cup finals, where they will meet the mighty Beermen, who, in contrast, is a fixture in the Last Dance of the prestigious conference, having won six of its last eight editions.
Gallent believes that they are in for a great series.
“I’m sure it's going to be a great series. Meralco is playing well. We just have to match their energy,” Gallent said.