KINGS LOOKING TO CONTINUE CLIMB
Having gathered some steam, Barangay Ginebra hopes to get going, looking to go above the .500 mark as it tangles with cellardweller Blackwater in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
The Kings are optimistic of their chances against the Elite especially as they have won three of their last four games.
Ginebra is in the middle of the chart with an even 3-3 win-loss card while Blackwater is mired in the bottom with a 1-5 slate.
In their previous match during the Philippine Cup elimination round, the Kings clobbered the Elite, 100-91.
While the Kings look to have overcome a shaky start in the mid-season tourney, the Elite remain in a struggle, losing badly in their last two games after a breakthrough win with an 80-77 decision over San Miguel Beer.
They fell with a loud thud, 79-106, against the NLEX Road Warriors and were torn apart by the Globalport Batang Pier, 78-101.
Now, they face a Ginebra team that is in high spirits following a 96-87 drubbing of Purefoods Star and champion import Denzel Bowles Sunday night.
“If we just continue doing what we do in practice, malaki ang tsansa namin manalo,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.
The Kings got an extra lift the last time with fourth-string playmaker Emman Monfort responding to the challenge as he was inserted in the starting lineup.
Minus the injury-stricken Jayjay Helterbrand and Josh Urbiztondo, Monfort started ahead of LA Tenorio at the point spot and lived up to the role, delivering mind-boggling all-around numbers of nine points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Inspired by Monfort’s showing, Michael Dunigan, Greg Slaughter, LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar also dished out productive performances as the Kings regained an even win-loss card at 3-3 for sixth place behind Meralco (5-1), Talk n Text (5-1), Rain or Shine (4-2), Globalport (4-3) and Purefoods (4-3).
And the Kings are determined to get going with the tournament nearing the homestretch of the elims where only the Top Eight advance to the playoffs.
At 1-5, Blackwater is now virtually fighting for survival. (SB)
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