PBA Governors’ Cup goes to Lucena City

LEADING team Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is keeping its eyes on the twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals when it takes on winless Rain or Shine in Season 43 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup today at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

Game time begins at 5 p.m.

“It is still a long way to go in terms of positioning in the playoffs. I have been here before and we’re at the top of the team standings and we were knocked out in the quarterfinals. So I don’t want to get too happy about what is going on but I like what our guys are doing,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

The Gin Kings are enjoying a four-game winning streak for a 7-1 win-loss record despite their key players sidelined by injuries among them Greg Slaughter (ankle), Sol Mercado (knee) and Art Dela Cruz (Achilles tendon).

“We are hoping to keep things going in Lucena while we try to re- integrate some of our returning players. We are still not sure exactly who will return to the line up for our Rain or Shine game. But if they do, they will have a strict minutes limit to their playing time. It is important that we get these guys namely Greg, Sol, Art and Joe ( Devance) later back in the line up and comfortable in their roles before the playoff start,” added Cone.

Last conference’s Best Import Justin Brownlee, averaging 33.3 points, 12.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists in eight games is expected to lead the Gin Kings anew.

Rain or Shine, meanwhile, is yet to post a win after five games.

Import Terrence Watson, who replaced J’Nathan Bullock, is expected to return strong after a bout with food poisoning last week.