Emotions could run higher, and the intensity and the physicality of battle could intensify as Alaska Milk and Magnolia Pambansang Manok are now in a virtual best-of-three fight for the PBA Governors Cup crown.
Tied after four matches, the Aces and the Hotshots are only expected to go harder at each other as they dispute the go-ahead win in Game Five of the best-of-seven series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.
Both teams said there's no turning back from the fight even as blood has spilled, a punch thrown and sanctions handed out after Game Four where the Aces pulled off a 90-76 win to tie the series at two games apiece.
Romeo Travis had to be treated for a nasty cut on the nose bridge in the second half, and the Hotshots felt missing their import for a crucial stretch took its toll on them.
Meanwhile, Mark Barroca escaped suspension but drew a heavy fine of P50,000 for swinging a closed fist on Chris Banchero's groin late in the last game.
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Alaska coach Alex Compton also incurred a fine of P20,000 for continuing to discuss officiating with the media and not with the PBA technical committee.
But both sides said they would press their respective bids in the series that has turned to be a war of attrition.
"I expect the rest of the games to be like Game Two," said Compton of the grind-out game won by the Hotshots, 77-71.
"Eto naman ang ini-expect ng lahat from the start of the series - long, grind-out series. We just have to stay tough," said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
With the sanctions and the reprimands issued by league commissioner Willie Marcial after Barroca's cheap shot, the two are expected to stick to playing amazing pressing battle.
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"It feels like playing college basketball intensity - 19-year-old guys pouring it all," said Compton.
"How many times you see two teams playing full-court basketball when we're on the 14th month of the season. It's hard for the pros, and it's about commitment," he added.
Victolero said physicality of the battle is a given. He feels it's now more of a mental thing.
"We have to stay positive and we have to stay together," he said. (SB)
