Memories of their semifinal series against the Magnolia Hotshots came to mind after a well-rested Barangay Ginebra Ging Kings took Game 1 last Wednesday.
This is something Gin Kings coach Tim Cone will think about when the team comes into Game 2 of their best-of-five semifinal series against the Meralco Bolts.
Cone said this as they brace for their encounter against the Bolts 3:45 p.m., today, Friday, November 20, 2020 at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena & Cultural Center Powered by Smart 5G.
“And so, they went on the play San Miguel in the finals. And that is still fresh in our minds,” said Cone on Zoom Wednesday evening.
He said they can’t afford to relax even if they had a one-game lead against the Bolts.
“This game was nice to get. But, we’ve been in this situation before,” said Cone.
Cone recalled their situation in 2018 when they won Game 1 in the semifinals, only to be swept by Magnolia in their next three games.
After that, Hotshots went into the finals against the San Miguel Beermen.
The Gin Kings lead their 2020 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup semifinal series against Meralco after an easy 96-79 win.
They will seek to take the next two games to claim a three-game sweep of their best-of-five semifinal series.
A day’s rest feels like having their momentum interrupted, according to Cone.
“Our team is on a mission. After having been interrupted for a day, hopefully, we can continue,” said Cone.
In Game 1, Stanley Pringle got a lift from five teammates who knocked in double digit outputs.
Pringle showed the way with 19 points and seven rebounds. Scottie Thompson almost finished with a triple-double when he scored 13 points, grabbed nine rebounds and issued eight assists.
Rookie Arvin Tolentino chipped in 13 while Aljon Mariano and LA Tenorio added 10. Prince Caperal also made 10 off the bench for the Gin Kings.
Ginebra outworked Meralco and grabbed more rebounds, 53-36.
The TNT Tropang Giga, which won their opener with the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 95-92, will play Game 2 on Friday at 6:30 p.m.