A BIG win against TNT the last time out should prop up Ginebra’s bid to finish in the top two that will be rewarded with a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.
But that game where they squandered a 17-point spread will be enough to remind Kings coach Tim Cone they can’t afford to look past a hapless foe.
“We’ve got a tough road ahead of us, but again, we still control our own destiny and that was what we were trying to do today,” Cone said after his charges carved out an 89-85 decision over the Tropang Giga five days ago. “We knew if we lost today, we would not be able to control our own destiny.
“With that result, I’m happy. But a little concerned that Talk ‘N Text ripped us apart the way they did,” he added.
Red-hot Ginebra seeks to extend its winning run to six and gain a share of second when it takes on fading NLEX today in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The match is set at 5:45 p.m. after Rain or Shine tries to stay alive when it tackles Blackwater in the curtain-raiser at 3 o’clock.
The Kings are expected to count on the likes of reinforcement Justin Brownlee, reigning MVP Scottie Thompson, LA Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, Nards Pinto, Jamie Malonzo, Stanley Pringle, and Jeremiah Gray in their bid to raise their 7-2 mark.
The Road Warriors are in dire straits, losing five in a row for a 3-7 slate, including an embarrassing 114-124 overtime setback at the hands of erstwhile winless Terrafirma last Friday.
Reinforcement Earl Clark, Don Trollano, Justin Chua, and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser will carry the fight for NLEX.
The Elasto Painters are returning after a 12-day break and will go to battle wounded after they absorbed a heartrending 101-102 defeat to Converge last Nov. 13 that dropped them to 4-6.
