Can Barangay Ginebra finally end its 21-year title drought in the mid-conference?
“‹The Gin Kings certainly hope so as they shoot to dethrone San Miguel Beer and finish off their best-of-seven championship showdown in a close-out assignment in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
A win away from the title, Ginebra looks to claim glory even as the Beermen aim on forcing a rubber match as they return to war in Game 6 at 7 p.m. today at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Now in a good place to win its second championship in the last three conference, the Gin Kings plan on going all out and give the Beermen a knockout punch.
“We’re in a good situation now, we have two chances to win the championship, but we all prefer to finish it right away, knowing how dangerous and capable San Miguel is,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
“For us, Game 6 is a do-or-die, too. We have to take it. We can’t go to a Game 7 against San Miguel,” echoed Ginebra guard LA Tenorio.
The Gin Kings got on the verge of the title after grinding out a difficult 87-83 win in Game 5 Sunday night, the first tight game of the series.
Ginebra trailed, 78-83, in the last three minutes but rallied behind crucial points from Scottie Thompson to stun the mighty defending champions.
Should the Gin Kings succeed, they will win their first Commissioner’s Cup in 21 years.
The last time they won the PBA season’s middle tournament was way back in 1997 when they were under the name Gordon’s Gin Boars.
San Miguel Beer, on the other hand, is looking to continue defending its crown and force sa Game 7 on Friday.