Games Friday
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila)
5:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs Terrafirma
7:30 p.m. – Meralco vs Phoenix
By MARK REY MONTEJO
With the elimination round winding down, Barangay Ginebra and Meralco aim to solidify their playoff positions when they take on their respective foes in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila Friday, Dec. 12.
Having corrected some of the lapses they committed in the past, the Gin Kings will be going for their third straight win against the Terrafirma Dyip (1-8) in their 5:30 p.m. matchup.
The Kings were sharp and deadly on offense and rock-solid on defense – reason why they romped to a 103-85 win over the Blackwater Bossing on Wednesday that improved their mark an even 4-4 mark.
The Bolts, on the other hand, are also out to hike their 4-4 mark when they collide with the Phoenix Fuel Masters (3-6).
Like the Gin Kings, the Bolts are fresh off a 120-87 demolition of the Dyip.
And coach Tim Cone hopes to use that impressive win as an added motivation when they go up against the faltering Dyip.
“We really needed a good performance tonight, you know we’re in the middle of the standings, we’re still, I wouldn’t say groping for form, but we’re still searching ourselves a little bit at this point,” said Cone.
“Tonight’s game was absolutely crucial for us and another one this Friday, before we leave for Bahrain (vs Rain or Shine), but these games are all really crucial for us, just number one to get into the playoffs and we just want to win as many games as we can,” he added.
Ahead of them are Magnolia, Converge, and NLEX – all are carrying 6-3 slates – while Rain or Shine sits at atop the standings with a 7-2 record with San Miguel not far behind with a 6-2 mark.
After a fine performance the last time out, RJ Abarrientos is expected to be a marked man along with Gilas Pilipinas teammates Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar.
More help are expected to come from Troy Rosario, Norbert Torres, Joshua David, Stephen Holt and Jeremiah Gray.
Mark Nonoy, Paolo Hernandez, and Mark Sangalang need to produce huge numbers if they are to put a stop to Ginebra’s bid. m
Meanwhile, CJ Cansino, Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, Bong Quinto, and Raymond Almazan are expected to deliver the go
ods for the Bolts.
