The Paint Masters took the first two games but were ambushed by the resilient Jewels, 89-73, in Game 3 last Tuesday.
Despite the loss, Welcoat coach Caloy Garcia isn’t about to push the panic button although he said they would treat the game, set at 3:30 p.m., as a make-or-break since another loss would dramatically shift the momentum to the other side.
That’s also in the mindset of Montaña coach Robert Sison who’s aching to give his team its second straight crown after beating the Paint-masters in the Open Championship last February.
"Para sa amin, wala ng bukas ang Game 4," said Sison. "Ibubuhos na namin ang lahat bukas. Kung manalo kami, bahala na sa Game 5."
No team in recent memory has managed to recover from a 0-2 deficit and win the title.
That was the challenge thrown by Sison to his players and that paid off huge dividends.
At least in Game 3.
Just like in the last game, Sison will again put premium on defense, adding that they need to clamp down on Fil-Am Anthony Washington and Jojo Tangkay.
"They are very dangerous players. They can explode anytime," said Sison who felt so blessed and privileged at having two of the league’s finest players in his fold in Alex Compton and Jondan Salvador.
In what could be his best game of the tournament, the 6-foot-4 Salvador logged in 29 points and 18 rebounds as he outplayed the 6-foot-6 Washington in their marquee match-up in the shaded lane.
Washington did score 20 points but his effort was overshadowed by Salvador’s splendid performance.
While their offense was bad, the Paintmasters’ defense was even more horrible.
"We didn’t make extra passes pero mas masama ang depensa namin," said Garcia after his team allowed Compton to score 19 points and Paul Guerrero 15.
"We have to be extra patient next time offensively and defensively. Kailangan patahimikin namin si Jondan and Alex," said Garcia who is out to win his first title in three trips to the finals.