MUCH-AWAITED CLASH OF CROWD FAVES AT HAND
Sold out venue. Fans packed to the rafters. Raucous crowds. It could only mean one thing: Manila Clasico.
Two of the most popular franchises clash once again on Sunday on what promises to be a battle for pride and supremacy, and a closer path to the quarterfinals of the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Defending champion Star engage in an all-out war once more with Barangay Ginebra, as the league’s two most popular squads try to regain their footing and nail a first back-to-back wins this conference.
The Hotshots have owned the number of the Kings for the past years — a 17-9 edge to be specific since head coach Tim Cone took over the franchise three seasons ago but this season is a different story, with Barangay Ginebra beating the Purefoods franchise twice in as many meetings.
The Kings, who are looking to end a seven-year title drought, are actually one of only two teams last season’s Grand Slam champs have not beaten, the other team being Rain or Shine.
However, the coaches which led those previous Barangay Ginebra teams to victories over the Hotshots this season, Jeffrey Cariaso and Ato Agustin, aren’t anymore handling the Kings and the pressure is building on rookie head coach Frankie Lim to continue the streak.
But for the straight-shooting coach, his concern is more on the Kings’ standing, as they are currently holding on to eighth spot with a 3-4 slate.
“We have a new lease on life,” Lim said, after Barangay Ginebra’s 111-108 overtime win over GlobalPort lasy Wednesday at the MOA Arena.
“Nandoon kami sa gitna and we have a chance to make it in the next round. But it all boils down to the kind of effort you give in the games.”
Barangay Ginebra got a big boost in Greg Slaughter’s second game with the squad, and with the team in full health now, there’s no reason not to be optimistic for the King fans.
Star, meanwhile, begins its tough stretch of games starting on Sunday, which will be followed by games against Talk ‘N Text, Rain or Shine, and league-leader Barako Bull.
The Hotshots are coming off of an eight-day break after their 89-80 conquest of Kia in Angeles City, Pampanga two Saturdays ago, and Cone is optimistic that his wards, particularly his star James Yap, can provide Marqus Blakely the local scoring punch their team badly needs.
Game time is at 5:15 p.m. at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. (RL)
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