Staying on top is the priority of league-leader Barangay Ginebra as it goes for a third straight win when it plunges back to action in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup.
The Gin Kings (5-1) are bound for a stiff test when they take on NLEX (4-2) at 7 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In the opener, Blackwater (4-1) looks to bounce back when it goes on a collision course with slumping Meralco (1-3) at 4:30 p.m.
Despite having a depleted line-up, the Gin Kings were still able to muscle their way to the top at this point.
Ginebra is showing why it is the two-time defending champion as it still manages to get through with flying colors despite missing the services of key players Sol Mercado, Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter, Jervy Cruz and Art Dela Cruz.
Now, Joe Devance, who has been Ginebra’s saving grace the past couple of games as his production and presence despite playing hurt were a big reason his team continues to excel, joins that long list of injured Ginebra players.
Devance is expected to be out for a month with a stress fracture in his foot.
Still, Ginebra coach Tim Cone is pleased with where his team is at right now and shares the Gin Kings’ battle cry at the moment.
“We’re happy with our start. We got wins even with key players out,” said Cone. “Our goal is to stay in the top four until we get our guys back. Japeth and Greg are due to comeback this October eventually so for now, we need to go on with what we have and see if we can get more.”
Ginebra had difficulties in its last outing, but eventually came up with a tough 101-99 grinder over Phoenix last Saturday.
The Road Warriors are coming off an impressive victory the last time out after they dealt erstwhile unbeaten Elite its first taste of defeat, 124-106, last week as they welcomed their coach Yeng Guiao back with a bang.
Blackwater, following its first defeat at the hands of NLEX, is hoping it can regain its touch again against the Bolts.
Meralco isn’t exactly looking like a team which made the last two finals of the tournament in the past two editions, having lost three straight.
The Bolts will now hope that the experience they got from playing in the FIBA Champions Cup, where they finished fourth, can help them in their continued bid.