THE Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings will once again try to bring out their A-game in Game 2 of their 2026 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series with the San Miguel Beermen.
Gin Kings’ coach Tim Cone said this, now that they are riding on an eight-game winning streak, after beating the top-seeded San Miguel Beermen, 99-90, in Game 1 on Sunday.
“We know last year, and the past that this (SMB) is a great team. So we have to play at the top of our game to have a chance to beat them,” said Cone, a few days before their 5:15 p.m. encounter on Wednesday with the Beermen at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings have the momentum after winning eight consecutive times, following a seven-game winning run at close of the eliminations and into the quarterfinals.
But for Cone, this no longer matters as the Gin Kings are back to zero in their series with the Beermen.
“So, were back to zero. From the win streak that we had before, it doesn’t matter anymore when you enter a seven-game semis series,” said Cone.
The Gin Kings, led by RJ Abarrientos with 23 points, snapped a dominant 10-game winning streak held by San Miguel, when they took Game 1.
The Gin Kings’ reserves outscored the Beermen’s bench, 54-29, with Ralph Cu and Norbert Torres hitting six crucial fourth-quarter triples.
Earlier, the TNT Tropang 5G also seek a second straight triumph over the Meralco Bolts in their own best-of-seven affair.
TNT coach Chot Reyes said playing better defense in Game 2 will allow the Tropang 5G to sustain their momentum over the Bolts, following a 100-95 win on Sunday.
“Hopefully in Game 2, we are more ready to play from the start because I don’t think we can bring this kind of game to Game 2 and expect to come up with the same result,” said Reyes in describing the Bolt’s energetic game.
After overcoming a 21-point deficit in Game 1, TNT took a 1-0 series lead.
