Upset loss to RoS sparks Ginebra in win over SMB

MANILA, Philippines — It was the second straight game where Tim Cone and Barangay Ginebra blew a lead. But this time, they weren’t letting the game slip off their hands.

 

After all, a berth to the playoffs was also at stake.

 

Dictating the tempo for most of the game, the Gin Kings suddenly found themselves on the verge of another meltdown. They managed to pull out a 107-99 victory behind Justin Brownlee, LA Tenorio and Scottie Thompson.

 

“Good perseverance for our guys tonight. We blew leads against ROS as well. We blew the lead tonight but we managed to keep it,” shared head coach Tim Cone after the emotionally charged game at the Mall of Asia Arena.

 

And all that is thanks to the Rain or Shine loss, the Grand Slam tactician noted.

 

“I could feel it yesterday, I could feel our guys were motivated. They were upset by the loss to Rain or Shine,” he said. “It was winnable game for us, we lost a 16-point lead in the 2nd half and lost the game. So our guys were motivated. “

 

“Justin was, particularly. He just made big shots, big plays down the stretch, and that's been his MO for us, being able to do us.

 

Cone also said he is familiar with the circumstance over at Leo Austria and the Beermen’s side. 

 

“San Miguel, they need these losses every once in a while because that gets them going,” he offered. “They get one loss and then they're awesome again.”

 

“They've had so much success, and I know, I've been there, it's easy for the players to fall asleep,” Cone noted.

 

The win propels the crowd darlings to the top spot alongside San Miguel. They now have an identical 6-2 record.

 

The Kings will face Blackwater next. They are set to cap their elimination round outing in a tussle with Mahindra.