NORMAL PROGRAMMING
TNT’s Calvin Oftana, always flashing a wide grin regardless of the situation, arrived at Smart Araneta Coliseum asking early-bird reporters of the situation in their areas.
“Waterproof tayo,” Oftana said before heading to the big crucifix in the hallway for some deep reflections before Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, which at press time went on as scheduled despite the continuous downpour that flooded most parts of Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.
There were questions in the days leading up to San Miguel’s potential title-clinching game will push through, especially with Quezon City, where the historic Big Dome stands, among the cities and municipalities placed under a state of calamity.
But there were also concerns within the league of the possibility of dealing with scheduling issues, not just for the remainder of the series, but also for Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the Fiba Asia Cup. Both were taken into consideration before the PBA’s social media pages made the announcement before noon.
“TULOY ang LARO mamaya! Kitakits!” the PBA said in the caption of its art card plugging Game 5.
Game 6, should TNT prevent a gentleman’s sweep, and a deciding Game 7, if it goes the distance, are set for Friday and Sunday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Gilas game coming
There’s also Gilas’ upcoming exhibition game with the Macau Black Bears on Monday at Araneta that will also affect the PBA schedule should it go to a Game 7, with Oftana, CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo expected to be part of the Philippine roster for the continental tournament set on Aug. 5 to Aug. 17 in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, it was all business inside the Big Dome hours before Game 5 despite the murky situation outdoors, with PBA staff and television crew busy installing equipment needed for the possible conclusion of the 49th season.
The Tropang 5G’s Brian Heruela was the earliest to arrive, actually around lunch time, working on his shots before heading back home, about 12 minutes from the venue.
The players started arriving past 4 p.m., with TNT hoping to stretch the series despite the absence of Poy Erram, who, aside from a severe right ankle sprain, suffered a knee injury in Game 4.
San Miguel, on the other hand, was aiming to complete its redemption tour after falling short to Meralco in last year’s all-Filipino title showdown and missing the playoffs altogether in this season’s Commissioner’s Cup.
Jericho Cruz, a strong candidate for PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player, remained wary of a potential TNT comeback from 3-1 down, which only two teams in the history of the title series, have been able to pull off.
“I hope we can finish it off, but we know that TNT is not an easy opponent,” Cruz said in Filipino before entering the dugout.
Cruz had just said his prayers before expressing his thoughts before a handful of media men. As much as there’s eagerness to end it on a midweek night in Cubao, the Beermen know they have their work cut out.
“I hope the Lord blesses us with a win,” said Cruz.
