Notwithstanding injuries to some key players, the coaches felt Purefoods couldn’t afford to fall in a 1-3 hole as much as Alaska must not let the Hotdogs even things up at two games apiece.
Purefoods and Alaska collide in the crucial fourth game of their title playoff at the Araneta Coliseum tomorrow with the Hotdogs raring to make a followup on their 80-66 victory in Game Three while the Aces seek to bounce back from that blowout.
The Hotdogs got their act together last Thursday, outclassing the Aces practically on all fronts for that emphatic win that brought the team back in the thick of the fight for the coveted crown.
With the win, the Hotdogs somehow put semblance of order in the series. Coach Ryan Gregorio and his charges will likely re-emerge as the odds-on pick if they make it two in a row.
"Game Four will be pivotal. If Alaska gets it, I think Purefoods will have a tough time coming back. If Purefoods takes it and gets even, then it’s a new series," said national coach Jong Uichico.
The other coaches agreed.
"Game Four could be the key in this series. Purefoods couldn’t allow Alaska to get a 3-0 lead or it’s practically all over for them. Alaska, meanwhile, cannot let Purefoods make it two in a row. If Purefoods wins again, it will regain its old role as the title favorite and it may go on to win the title," said Airfreight 2100/FedEx coach Derrick Pumaren.
"With the 2-1 lead, Alaska, of course, still has the edge. But lose again in Game Four and they will allow Purefoods to boost its morale all," said RP team assistant coach Allan Caidic.
The coaches were one in the belief that the Hotdogs would be tough to beat if their local players step up and back Derrick Brown. Uichico, Pumaren and Caidic thought the Hotdogs did just that Thursday.
"Purefoods had great runs in the early parts of the tournament with Derrick Brown leading their charge while getting the needed support from his local teammates. In Games One and Two, Alaska did a good defensive job on him, at wala namang lumutang sa mga kasama ni Brown," said Pumaren.
Pumaren warned his former team not to let their guard down after its Game Three win. "Baka magkumpiyansa, isipin Alaska is easy to pick. Alaska will likely make key adjustments and will come back strong in Game Four," he said.
Uichico likewise gives Alaska so much respect although he had thought earlier it would be Talk N Text, Coca-Cola, Red Bull and Purefoods slugging it out for the crown.