SKIDDING KINGS STAYING POSITIVE IN TOUGH FINAL WEEK
Facing adversity after a sudden skid, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings promise to stay together and stay positive to salvage whatever they can in their last two games in the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round.
First up is Alaska Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena then Rain or Shine Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Moving down to joint fifth after dropping their last three games, the Kings must win their last two matches to safely make the Top Six and gain a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
“We believe we are better than what we have been showing these past few games, especially defensively,” said Ginebra coach Jeff Cariaso.
“At this point, it’s about continue working and staying positive. Adversity is healthy if approached in the right manner,” Cariaso also said.
Alaska is tied with San Miguel Beer in the lead with their identical 8-1 win-loss card.
But whatever happens in their game against the Gin Kings, the Aces need to beat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their game Friday to secure a Top Two finish and an outright semifinal passage.
“We’re playing well as a team particularly defensively. Di pa ganoon kaganda opensa namin. It’s been our defense that’s the character for our guys,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.
Alaska, trailing most of the second half, pounced on NLEX’s endgame meltdown, carving out a 90-84 win in their last outing.
Dondon Hontiveros came through with a crucial four-point play off Mark Borboran, touching off Alaska’s 14-2 closing flurry that carried the Aces to their eighth win against a solitary loss. (SB)
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