WITH what happened last season in their classic finish in the finals, Barangay Ginebra expects to face a hungry and motivated Meralco side.
The big stage is set for the Gin Kings and the Bolts to go to war again in the finals of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup in a rematch of last year’s epic encounter.
The much-anticipated best-of-seven battle between the two loaded protagonists start this Friday, with Game 1 scheduled at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, Quezon.
To this date, Ginebra’s title win last year against Meralco is still fresh in many people’s minds, especially with the way the Gin Kings claimed the title in six games through the memorable buzzer-beating triple pf Justin Brownlee.
While many people expect Ginebra to have the psychological advantage after they outlasted Meralco last season to end its eight-year title drought, the Gin Kings look forward to a tougher road ahead against the title-conscious Bolts.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone said Meralco is well motivated to not only win the championship, but also avenge the ghosts from last year’s setback.
“We’re expecting a very motivated Meralco team in the finals. That’s for sure,” said Cone. “I’m sure they haven’t forgotten what happened last year. That alone is very dangerous.”
Ginebra chief playmaker LA Tenorio agrees.
“Alam naman natin kung gaano ka-gutom ang Meralco na bawian kami,” said Tenorio.
For Brownlee, whose iconic shot to win the championship last season continues to be played again and again in fans’ minds, it’s a brand-new ball game.
“It’s a new game for us in the finals. We may have won last year, but that was last year. What matters is what’s ahead now,” said Ginebra’s resident import.
Ginebra finished off TNT KaTropa last Sunday in their heated best-of-five semifinals duel, 3-1.