DESPITE its 2-0 lead, Purefoods does not want to take chances and remain more determined against Alaska when they meet today in game three of the best-of-seven title series of the 35th PBA-KFC Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Giants, who also won game one (81-77), meet the Aces at 6 p.m.
Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said he is expecting Alaska to make a big comeback with more adjustments in the next game.
“We always want to think that we are the underdogs. We always want to play that way, we have the momentum on our side but the game is not over yet until we win four games,” said Gregorio, who is just two wins away from Purefoods’ 8th overall title.
Position
Gregorio was not ecstatic after winning the second game (86-85) on Friday, which put the Giants in the best position to secure their fifth all-Filipino crown, a feat that will enable them to match Crispa’s all-time record.
“We are up 2-0. Yes, we are happy but the celebration will only come after we win game number four,” added Gregorio, who is seeking his third title and becoming the first Purefoods coach to win two all-Filipino crowns.
Difference
Coach Tim Cone, however, is not ready to give in the towel and vowed to make the difference in the third game to avoid a 0-3 deficit, a hard task which no team in the history of both the PBA and NBA has recovered.
“We will come out fighting. That’s what we are,” said Cone, who is aiming for the Aces’ 13th conference crown, which will tie them with Crispa, the second most win-ningest team in the league after San Miguel Beer’s 18.