LEAGUE-leader Barangay Ginebra has nothing in mind but to solidify its lead and move closer to securing a top four finish as it shoots for a seventh straight victory even as three other teams are in dire need of a win at the resumption of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
On a rampage, the Gin Kings (6-1) shoot for yet another win but dangerous Blackwater (4-4) stands across as they meet at 7 p.m. tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City in an interesting duel.
In the curtain-raiser, teams in the lower half are desperate to salvage their campaigns as GlobalPort (3-4) and Alaska (1-6) collide at 4:15 p.m. with both teams facing a must-win situation.
After dropping its opening assignment, Ginebra has been on a tear and is showing everyone why it is the defending champion and why it is considered as one of the teams to beat in the tournament.
Since then, the Gin Kings have racked up six straight wins as they immediately got their groove.
The last time out, they survived a tough scare as they squeaked past Star, 105-101, in overtime in a thrilling classic last Sunday.
“Our guys are veteran guys. They have strength, character and discipline minds,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone of his wards. “Our guys help each other out in all areas so I can’t complain that much and we’re 6-1 too.”
Still, Cone is wary of the Elite, who is playing really well since the arrival of import Henry Walker.
“Blackwater is on a roll. It won four of its last five games and we’re expecting another tough game ahead.”
The Elite was likewise impressive in its last game, manhandling cellar-dweller Kia, 118-97, last week to enhance its chances of making the top eight and entering the quarterfinals.
The Batang Pier has been inconsistent thus far, alternating losses and wins. After catching a big fish in TNT last week, it then bowed to NLEX, 109-99, last Sunday.
Stanley Pringle, who missed that last game as he’s on an indefinite leave from GlobalPort, having to attend to his ailing father in the United States, is questionable for the game.
Yet, GlobalPort is still in a fair position in the chase for a spot in the next phase.
For the Aces, their five-month agony finally ended at the very least.
They were able to strike big in the process of ending their 14-game losing streak dating back to last conference, tripping a giant in San Miguel, 90-79, last Saturday in Pampanga.