Bolts, Gin Kings to settle score in culminating Game 7

Game today (Philippine Arena)

7 p.m. – Meralco vs Ginebra

Game 1: Ginebra 102, Meralco 87

Game 2: Ginebra 86, Meralco 76

Game 3: Meralco 94, Ginebra 81

Game 4: Meralco 85, Ginebra 83

Game 5: Ginebra 85, Meralco 74

Game 6: Meralco 98, Ginebra 91

 MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra and Meralco end a fortnight of title showdown Friday night, clashing for one last time in a true defining moment — the do-or-die game in a best-of-seven championship series.

The Kings and the Bolts slug it out in the final hour of the season — an ultimate duel for an ultimate prize before an expected mammoth crowd at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

After back-to-back record attendance, an even bigger crowd is expected to troop to the giant dome to witness history.

One final roster call-out will be made before the 7 p.m. opening tip where the Kings wage one last fight for a title repeat while Bolts take a shot at a breakthrough championship.

“Best two words in sports – Game Seven. And truly it is,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

“There’s nothing more exciting or suspense-filled than playing in a Game Seven. The best thing that you can do is to enjoy the opportunity. That’s really the best approach,” Cone also said.

Meralco coach Norman Black said it would be a battle between two teams coming out and trying to deliver their best punches.

Ginebra has nine titles tucked under its belt, with two won in deciding Game Sevens. Meralco, on the other hand, is setting out for the first time in a game where it has a shot at the crown.

Cone, however, doubts whether experience will be a factor in this game.

“I’m not sure experience will go into a Game Seven. It is an animal all by itself. It’s truly a 50-50 game, that’s why you don’t want to play a Game Seven. It’s anybody’s game,” he said.

“I don’t know if this group is special. I don’t think we have played a Game Seven together. Norman certainly has his share of Game Seven so I’m not sure experience will play in this one,” he added.

Game Seven is a moment where you throw the previous stats sheets to the trash bin. Forget that Ginebra won Games One (102-87), Two (86-76) and Five (85-74) while Meralco took Games Three (94-81), Four (85-83) and Six (98-91).

“We’re now in the same situation as they are -- one game to end the season. We just have to find a way to keep our guys fresh and come back to win the championship,” said Black.

Heroes are made, legacies are forged and hearts are broken in Game Sevens.

And it could well be a fight to the finish between the Meralco core group of Allen Durham, Reynel Hugnatan, Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Baser Amer, Jared Dillinger and Garvo Lanete versus Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee, Greg Slaughter, LA Tenorio, Joe Devance, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Mark Caguioa and Kevin Ferrer.

Black and Cone both have shortened their rotations to their key players at least in the last two games.

“We all rest after the season is over,” said Cone on the extended minutes the core players are playing.

The Ginebra bench chieftain, however, may alter his rotation with the possible return of Sol Mercado.

“Obviously we really missed him. He’s still on a boot but that’s more of a precautionary. We’ll test him out in practice and see where he is. I wouldn’t say he’s a lock to play, but I can’t say he’s 100 percent sure he wouldn’t play. Most likely he’ll be a game time decision,” said Cone.