KINGS, ROAD WARRIORS RESUME BATTLE FOR PLAYOFF SPOTS
After a weekend of fun in Palawan, the PBA gets back to serious business with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and NLEX featured in the 7 p.m. mainer at the resumption of Commissioner’s Cup action at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Wednesday.
Both the Kings and the Road Warriors have shaken off a flat start, getting on a streak before the tournament took a break to give way to the All-Star Extravaganza.
Both practically start all over again with the elimination round heading into the homestretch, and the question is which team has done its assignment during the break.
The Kings try to close in on the playoffs while the Road Warriors look to barge into the Top Eight in their faceoff.
“This will be a tough one for us because of the All-Star break. We didn’t have the opportunity to practice with a complete lineup but we know what’s at stake in this game,” said coach Boyet Fernandez, whose team won three of their last four games before the break.
The Kings were doing better before the All-Star Weekend, winning four of their last five games.
“Ginebra is a very strong team, man for man, talent for talent. Our team defense will be crucial if we want to win,” Fernandez said.
The Kings are at fifth place at 4-3, a full game in front of the Road Warriors at 3-4.
Uncertain is the status of Ginebra top gun Mark Caguioa, who missed the All-Stars due to an injury.
Returning Ginebra players from the All-Stars are Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio. For NLEX, coming back from Palawan are Asi Taulava, KG Canaleta and Jonas Villanueva.
The Kings saw action the last time on Feb. 25, beating the Blackwater Elite, 89-82, while the Road Warriors were in action most recently against the Meralco Bolts on Feb. 27, winning, 89-76. (SB)
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