Gin Kings try to move series out of Bolts’ reach in crucial Game 3

Game Wednesday

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

7 p.m. – Ginebra vs Meralco

Game One: Ginebra 102, Meralco 87

Game Two: Ginebra 86, Meralco 76

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra and Meralco face off in what’s probably the most critical game in their titular showdown Wednesday, with the Gin Kings out to break the series wide open while the Bolts hope to keep it a battle that can go either way.

The Kings ride the momentum of a four-game romp from the semifinals as they try to move in the threshold of a title repeat versus an embattled Meralco side hoping to rediscover the touch of their shooters to breathe back life in their title bid.

The PBA Governors Cup best-of-seven finale could well be over if the Kings make it three in a row in Game Three at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

For a 3-0 series deficit could be so much for the Bolts to survive versus the formidable, well disciplined and highly motivated Ginebra squad.

“Game Three is the most crucial game in this series. It’s over if Ginebra wins it,” said Francis Arnaiz, a cage legend with stints with Meralco in the old MICAA days and with Ginebra in his final playing years in the PBA.

At 2-0, Ginebra coach Tim Cone said they can’t be too happy and pleased, insisting the Bolts have still got a lot of fight in them.

“They’re a tough mental team. They’re mentally tough and very hard to crack. And I think they still have a lot of punches left to throw at us,” said Cone.

The Kings pulled off a dominant 102-87 triumph in Game One but needed a huge closing romp to salvage Game Two, 86-76.

Meralco gunner Jared Dillinger said the exceptional length of Ginebra is proving to be a big advantage for the Kings.

Dillinger said it gives them much trouble, making it tough for the Meralco shooters to make their shots.

“It's hard to get off threes having long guys guarding me so when you got guys closing out, a guy like Japeth it's hard to shoot over,” said Dillinger.

“They’re the big boys over there. It’s not like we don’t know that to begin with. It wears down on you especially when they post up on you like Joe (Devance) and (Justin) Brownlee. It’s tough. We’ve got to adjust. We have to figure it out,” Dillinger added.

Allen Durham remained the prolific import that he is in the first two games, but he sorely needed local support.

“Some things need to happen. I mean, aside from AD, no one’s shooting that well. Del (Ranidel de Ocampo), Baser (Amer), (Chris) Newsome and Cliff (Hodge) have gotta make shots. That’s it. We’re not making ours and it’s tough on AD,” said Dillinger.

“We’ve got to make something work. If we don’t win this next game, it’s pretty much over,” Dillinger added.