Despite hole, Perasol still confident of Powerade’s finals destiny

AKTV/Paolo Papa

Despite a 2-0 hole against Talk ‘N Text in the Philippine Cup finals, Powerade coach Bo Perasol remains unfazed. In fact, he remains confident that the Tigers can complete a comeback.

“The important thing is we continue fighting. I really think there’s a special reason why we’re here,” he said.

“If destiny wanted to have a stronger team [in the finals], B-MEG would have been here. But we’re the ones here.”

Perasol is buoyed by the fact that the Tigers played much better in Game Two, which they lost, 102-96.

“It was tough that they made tough shots in the end,” said Perasol of the Tropang Texters. “We just tried to make a run and we just have to be better next game.”

Powerade superstar Gary David said that the team remains in high spirits heading into the next match, because of the narrow second game loss.

“Mas maganda nilaro namin sa Game Two and the game came down to the last two possessions. May mga pagkakataon kami, like yung natapik namin yun bola, then kay Larry Fonacier napunta tapos naka-lay up ng madali. Then we committed an error in the last play. Pero at least, makikita mo na pwede naming talunin yung Talk ‘N Text.”

Game Two was a double blackeye for the Tigers, who lost forward Sean Anthony who received a nasty cut on his right eyebrow after being elbowed by Talk ‘N Text’s Ranidel de Ocampo.

But instead of being cowed by the rough play and the series deficit, Powerade is looking to fight back.

“Mas physical ‘yan palagay ko sa Wednesday,” said David. “Hindi na kami papayag, lalaban na rin kami ng physical at wala na munang kaibi-kaibigan.”

“Ready kami sa physical game sa Game Three,” added veteran center Rommel Adducul. “Ordinaryo naman sa finals ang physical game.”

One of the leaders of the team, Celino Cruz, said that Powerade desperately needs a victory in Game Three.

“Must-win kami. Otherwise, mahihirapan na talaga kaming makabalik,” he said.

Perasol, meanwhile, said that a victory could turn the series around for the Tigers.

“All we need is just one win and we will be on it right away,” he said.

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