Sans Slaughter, Kings gun for 4th straight vs Fuel Masters

Despite losing Greg Slaughter to an injury again, the Barangay Ginebra Kings remain determined to sustain its hot charge, hoping to keep the momentum going to the PBA Governors Cup playoff round.

They gun for a fourth straight win as they tangle with the Phoenix Fuel Masters in a key match at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Overall, the Gin Kings seek an eighth win in 10 games that will set the stage for a virtual playoff for elimination top honors between Ginebra and TNT KaTropa on Sunday over at the Alonte Sports Center in Binan, Laguna.

But they must keep their focus first on the Fuel Masters.

Coach Ariel Vanguardia and his chargers are as determined as the Gin Kings. They have to get past Ginebra to avoid a possible tie for eighth place at the close of the elims.

“I’m quite positive we’ll hurdle the test. If not, bagsak kami sa playoff (for the last quarterfinals slot),” said Vanguardia.

He’s expecting an acid test, saying Ginebra is a formidable squad with or without Slaughter.

While Ginebra is to miss Slaughter again, Phoenix, on the other hand, welcomes the return of ace forward JC
Intal from a knee procedure.

Intal had been averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists before injury got in the way in his otherwise fine season.

Vanguardia’s main concern is Ginebra’s backcourt.

“Yun ang strength nila at yun ang weakness namin,” he said.

Phoenix’s main weapon is import Eugene Phelps, a consistent top performer averaging 37.2 points, 21.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Justin Brownlee, meanwhile, averages 30.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks for Ginebra.

“I think the imports will cancel each other out and it will be the locals that will make the difference,” said Vanguardia. “With JC back, we hope to have additional firepower and experience.”

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