BARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel has shown signs of getting back the lethal form that clinched for the Gin Kings the import-laced Governors’ Cup crown last season.
But Head Coach Tim Cone remained alarmed by the string of recent losses.
“We are still finding our way back into contention. The following games are really crucial for us,” Cone said.
The Gin Kings face an uphill battle against a young Blackwater side in the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
The game is set at 7 p.m., with the Gin Kings hoping to improve on their 4-4 win-loss record against the Elite who stand on better ground with a 5-4 card.
With the risk of elimination imminent on the radar, Ginebra has to go all out if it wishes to advance to the playoffs—only eight teams are jumping to the quarterfinals.
The Elite pose as a tough test for the Gin Kings, who are tied for seventh to ninth place with Alaska and Star Gin Kings.
“We have high expectations because we recently had our championship. When the teams beat us, the players are getting upset. The frustration kicks in. For us, we must move forward,” said Cone, whose wards are coming from an 83-72 victory over Meralco on January 14 in a rematch of last year’s Finals.
“If we can turn the tables and win our remaining games [three], the playoffs is possible for us. I still feel that we are championship contenders,” Cone said.
Blackwater recently beat Alaska, 103-100, to keep its billing as a surprise package in the conference, thanks primarily to the impressive performance of rookie Mac Belo and guard Roi Sumang.
Rain or Shine (5-3), meanwhile, clashes with cellar-dweller Meralco (2-7) at 4:15 p.m.