Ginebra eyes 3-0 start; SMB plays first game
BARANGAY Ginebra tries to keep its winning streak alive to start the PBA Philippine Cup as the Gin Kings take on the Meralco Bolts even as newly minted Commissioner’s Cup champion San Miguel Beer makes its conference debut against Rain or Shine today, March 15.
The Gin Kings shoot for their third win in as many games in their 7:30 p.m. match with the Bolts while the Beermen collide with the Elasto Painters at 4:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra squeaked past Rain or Shine 113-107 last week before subduing Phoenix 102-92 last Sunday.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone admitted the team is still trying to find a healthy balance at playing tough defense, while also shifting to an up-tempo style of play.
“It’s trying to find a balance. We haven’t quite found the balance, but we’re still working towards it and it’s something we talked about for sure as we try to get better,” said Cone.
Ginebra faces a Meralco (1-3) side that is out to break a two-game slide, including a 90-85 loss to NorthPort last Sunday where the Bolts turned the ball over 25 times.
Meanwhile, the Beermen will be looking to begin the new conference with a victory with veterans Terrence Romeo and June Mar Fajardo back in harness.
Romeo has been practicing for the past days since recovering from an ankle injury, same with the 6-foot10 Fajardo, who managed to play through a left calf injury during the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
San Miguel faces an Rain or Shine squad that has lost its first three games.
The Elasto Painters are also expected to miss rookie big man Keith Datu to a knee injury he sustained in their loss to the Gin Kings last week.
Rain or Shine will be relying more on the team’s guard rotation of Andrei Caracut and Gian Mamuyac, along with Leonard Santillan, Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood.