Ginebra guns for 2-0 semis lead vs NLEX
COMEBACKS and rallies were the main draw in the semifinals opener of the PBA Governors’ Cup as Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia posted come-from-behind wins on Wednesday to grab a 1-0 lead over NLEX and Meralco, respectively.
The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings fell behind by 16 in the second period but made one big burst in the fourth quarter to claim a 95-86 victory over the NLEX Road Warriors.
Ginebra, the defending champion, can put more pressure with another victory in Game 2 today, March 25, against the Road Warriors, who didn’t get the usual balanced production needed from their local players.
Kris Rosales and Justin Chua were only good for three points apiece while Matt Nieto contributed only four and Don Trollano tallied six.
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao will be needing more from these players to provide ample support for import Cameron Clark and Kevin Alas, who combined for 47 points in Game 1.
But Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone has had many duels with NLEX coach Yeng Guiao that he knows the Road Warriors will make the necessary adjustments for Game 2. And it will be difficult to repeat if one of Ginebra’s main men can’t play on Friday.
“It’s kinda important that we get this first game so we can get that margin for error. That run which we did (in the fourth period) without Japeth was crucial,” Cone said.
That margin for error can be afforded by the Gin Kings, who are likely to miss versatile big man Japeth Aguilar. The 6-foot-9 versatile forward aggravated his already nagging calf injury as he landed awkwardly while trying to challenge the shot of Clark. He was unable to return to the game and will be a doubtful starter today.
Similarly pulling off a victory via the backdoor was Magnolia, which rallied from a 17-point deficit before completing a 94-80 triumph in the other semis series.
In beating the Bolts, the Hotshots had to count on Jio Jalalon, who proved to be the spark plug that energized Magnolia’s comeback after a slow start.
“We cannot afford to have another slow start, especially in the semifinals series,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero. “It’s a good thing our team has become more mature. We were able to display Magnolia’s brand of basketball in the second half.”
So telling was Magnolia’s defense as it made its presence felt, particularly against Meralco import Tony Bishop, who had his lowest production ever in the tournament.
Bishop was held down to just 10 points on a 5-of-19 field goal shooting by the airtight defense of the Hotshots.