TONIGHT will be anybody's ball game.
As Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings tied the 2016 PBA Governor's Cup best-of-seven finals series via an 88-86 edge over Meralco Bolts in Game 4 Friday evening, October 14, Dabawenyos are still rooting for their respective teams.
Veteran and birthday boy Jayjay Helterbrand along with his long-time partner Mark "The spark" Caguioa sparked Ginebra's win.
The tandem, dubbed "The Fast and the Furious", fueled the 14-0 run rally early in the fourth period which helped the Kings recover from a 16-point deficit going into the fourth period.
Ford Academy of Arts (FAA) Bambino "Bambi" Santander, in a phone interview with VoxPop Davao, said the Ginebra will prevail in game 5 for as long as Japeth Aguilar recovers from his sprained ankle.
"Pero depende gihapon na kung ma pugngan gihapon nila ang import sa Meralco nga si Durham lamang-lamang jud sila (It still depends if Ginebra will be able to stop their import Durham then they will be able to lead)," Santander said.
Karlo Pates, current executive assistant of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Charles Raymond Maxey, for his part, said it's hard to predict which team will emerge victorious in Game 5. He also said Ginebra and Meralco have yet to win consecutive games in the series. He thinks Ginebra will win tonight.
"Not only because I'm a Ginebra fan but because the momentum is on their side plus the die-hard Ginebra fans are there to serve as the support system or energizer to the team," Pates said.
Public Attorney's Office regional director and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas referees head lawyer Francis Calatrava, in a separate phone interview, said Meralco has the momentum but the way the series is being played, he's uncertain which team wil take Game 5.
Back-to-back Inter-BPO champion Teleperformance coach Mark de Guzman said Game 5 is a pivotal game since it's down to the best of three. "Nowadays naman wala naring advantage just like what happened in Game 4 whereinh Ginebra showed the never say die attitude."
Assumption College of Davao head coach Rollie Sancho said if Ginebra will be able to adjust in Aguilar's absence they could win but the Bolts will dominate the match. "Whoever wins game 5 will emerge champion," he predicted. (ABM)