PBA calls off game 6

MANILA, Philippines, April 21 ------ Rivals Barangay Ginebra and Meralco found extra time to plot for the clincher and equalizer, respectively, as Game 6 of the PBA Governors’ Cup finals was postponed for tomorrow due to a fire-related incident at the Smart Araneta Coliseum yesterday. The re-scheduled pivotal match will be played at the MOA Arena, which has been previously booked by the PBA on that day for Game 7, if necessary.

A fire in the air-handling unit of the Big Dome broke out yesterday morning, covering the court with smoke while matches in the PBA 3x3 Second Conference Grand Finals were ongoing. As a result, the 3x3 games were suspended “until further notice.” Authorities declared a “fire out” around 1 p.m. but the pro league wouldn’t risk it and still called off last night’s Ginebra-Meralco tussle. “Maski na maalis ang usok before game time, delikado pa rin sa mga fans, sa players, sa ating lahat. Priority natin yung safety ng lahat,” said commissioner Willie Marcial, who announced the postponement of the 6 p.m. tiff after personally inspecting the venue.

With the rescheduling of Game 6, the PBA is now looking around for a venue for the seventh match in case the Gin Kings and the Bolts go into a do-or-die. Ginebra currently holds a 3-2 lead in the race-to-four contest. “Okay na tayo sa MOA sa Friday tapos pinag-uusapan pa namin kung saan yung Game 7. May mga kinakausap na kaming possible venues for that,” said Marcial.

Also up to be determined are the new schedule and site for the resumption of the PBA 3x3 conference championship. The standalone three-a-side hoopfest managed to hold five games in pool play before the stoppage of play. Only the Pool A slates were completed with the Sista Super Sealers sweeping their two assignments and Pioneer Pro Tibay going 1-1 to claim tickets to the quarterfinal round. Jan Jamon knocked down the winning two-pointer twice as Sista scored pulsating overtime victories over Pioneer, 19-17, and Purefoods, 20-19. Pioneer rebounded with a 21-16 verdict over the Titans, to advance as Pool A’s No. 2.

In Pool B, Barangay Ginebra turned back Terrafirma, 22-18, for 1-0 while the Dyip improved to 1-1 at the expense of Platinum Karaoke, 21-19. The Gin Kings and Platinum were supposed to slug it out in the last game of the elims when action was halted.

Source: philstar.com