BITTER rivals Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia clash for the first time in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Sunday in a critical Group B match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Gin Kings and the Hotshots face off at 7:30 p.m.
Playing at 5:15 p.m. are streaking Rain or Shine and Meralco.
The Gin Kings enter the game fresh off an 84-75 win against the Bolts to raise their record to an even 2-2, and now occupy third spot in the Group B standings behind Phoenix (4-1) and Rain or Shine (3-2).
Magnolia is at 1-3 and needs a victory to get out of the ditch.
While Ginebra remains without resident import Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson, the team’s victory over Meralco somehow showed how the league’s most popular team is starting to get its act together led by stand-in import Riley Grigsby.
The Gin Kings played with a strong defensive effort against the Bolts last Friday.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone hopes despite the short turnaround, Ginebra will still be able to show the same type of energy against a Magnolia side that bowed to Rain or Shine, 98-97, on Friday.
“We lost important pieces in the team. And they are such a big part of us, but we know it’s difficult to fill in the void they left,” Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos said, referring to Brownlee and Thompson.
“But we’re still together, and the most important thing is when our number is called, we step up,” he added in Tagalog.
Another loss by Magnolia could hamper its bid to make the next round.
“That’s the reason why we want to win because we play back-to-back games. But it is what it is. We have to face it,” Magnolia coach LA Tenorio said.
“This is where our character will be tested. I know we’re a young team and most of our players are young. But this is the time that will test our character. How do we bounce back with that kind of loss or are we gonna deflate? Will we shrink?”
As for Rain or Shine, the team is on a roll since dropping its first two games.
The Elasto Painters are gunning for a fourth straight victory that would bring them a step closer of pacing Group B before the league takes a break from Aug. 15 to Oct. 6 give way for the Gilas Pilipinas national team’s campaign in the FIBA World Cup qualifying window and the Nagoya Asian Games.
“We have a tough group because every team has a chance to get to the next round,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao
“So every win is really important. Hopefully, before the long vacation, we can have at least five wins,” he added.
Before heading to the break, Rain or Shine will battle Phoenix Super LPG anew on Aug. 9.
Aaron Fuller, Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito and Luis Villegas will lead the way for Rain or Shine.
