Ginebra, TNT brace for rivals’ fightback

SMART CLARK GIGA CITY , Philippines – After making the first strike, Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga seek to tighten the noose on their respective opponents today and move closer to a coveted stint in the PBA Philippine Cup finale.

The in-form Gin Kings, who zapped the Meralco Bolts in the opener, 96-79, shoot for a pivotal 2-0 lead in the short best-of-five contest as they hit the AUF Sports Arena Powered by Smart 5G for their second encounter at 3:45 p.m.

Fresh from their 95-92 thriller, the Tropang Giga gun for a follow-up at 6:30 p.m. against a Phoenix Super LPG side hoping to have the explosive Matthew Wright back in the saddle after limping out of Game One early due to a sprained ankle.

Both Ginebra and TNT recognize the comeback ability and heart of the opposition and therefore challenge their charges to be up for the expected fierce fightback.

“Yesterday ended last night, that’s what we need our guys to be thinking. We have to quickly move forward from Wednesday night and get focused on Friday’s game,” said Ginebra mentor Tim Cone.

Drawing twin-digit scoring from six players led by the outstanding Stanley Pringle, the Gin Kings pounced on a Bolts crew who seemed to be spent after beating five-peat champ San Miguel twice in the quarterfinals, and romped off with the comprehensive opening triumph.

Cone expects Meralco, a squad determined to make good on its first All-Filipino semis appearance in franchise history, to get its bearings back.

“Everything went right for us and everything went wrong for them in the last game. That’s not going to happen tomorrow (today). We’re going to need to come out mentally stronger,” said Cone.

The Ginebra guru also reminded the team that a 1-0 lead is in no way safe. Case in point, the 2019 Philippine Cup quarterfinal series, where the Gin Kings went one-up only to get swept by eventual runner-up Magnolia in the next two games.

Like Ginebra, TNT braces for a strong bounceback from Wright and the Fuel Masters.

“We have to be ready because for sure, Phoenix will bounce back. They won’t let themselves go down 0-2. We know that,” said TNT tactician Bong Ravena.

The Tropang Giga leaned on Jayson Castro’s endgame exploits to get rid of the Fuel Masters, who gave them hell even with Wright relegated to being a cheerleader from the halfway point of the first and Calvin Abueva stymied by foul trouble.

“I’m proud of how we stood up. We fought back. And I’m sure TNT is worried about that situation. We’re going to use it against them. That’s going to be our battlecry,” Phoenix’ Topex Robinson said.

According to him, Wright should be ready to go tonight.

“He’ll be ready,” said Robinson, who actually could have gambled on fielding the Fil-Canadian back in the first game but decided against it. “But whether we have Matt or not, we’re going to compete.”

Robinson also expects Abueva to adjust and avoid foul woes next time.

“Maraming lessons doon. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, the good thing about playing in a series is you always have the chance to pick yourself up,” he said.