Old reliables Olsen Racela and Danny Ildefonso stepped up when it mattered most, as they led the Beermen to a 91-87 victory in Game 4 over Talk ‘N Text Sunday to even things out at 2-2 and make it a best-of-three affair for the coveted Philippine Cup crown.

Racela made four clutch free throws, his only points of the game, in the final minute with the game hanging in the balance to give the Beermen some breathing room, while Ildefonso drilled seven of his 17 points in the critical payoff period to salvage the win.

‘’’Yung confidence ko diyan sa mga veterans namin ay talagang napakataas,’’ said Agustin following their Game 4 win. ‘’Before nag-start ‘yung conference, kinausap ko sila (veterans), sabi ko patunayan natin na kaya pa at puwede pa tayo maglaro.’’

Agustin also thinks that Racela’s and Ildefonso’s experience when it comes to winning championships will be instrumental in the endgame.

‘’Kaya ganoon na lang ‘yung kumpiyansa ko kasi ‘yung mga experiences nila before, ang daming championships noon kaya alam na nila ‘yung gagawin nila.’’

The rookie coach, who is eyeing his first title right on his first stint as PBA coach, said that he knew exactly what he was going to get from the two all-time greats.

‘’Alam mo naman si Olsen (Racela) pagdating sa ganyang mga sitwasyon, laging maaasahan ‘yan. Kapag kailangan ko talaga nang tulong, especially kapag crucial, dito ako kay Olsen nag-rerely.’’

Agustin added: ‘’Si Danny I. I’m happy na nag-step-up siya. Kahit nu’ng Games 1 and 2 medyo nahirapan, nandoon pa din ‘yung kumpiyansa niya at ang ganda nang ipinakita niya the last two games.”

With the series back to square one, the Beermen are looking to capitalize on the momentum they have heading to Game 5. Agustin also thinks that the pressure is on the Tropang Texters.

‘’Dahil naitabla na namin ng 2-2, nasa kanila (Texters) ‘yung pressure going to Game 5.’’

Jeric Lopez, Manila Standard Today