Ginebra guns for 6th straight win

BARANGAY Ginebra guns for its sixth straight win to enhance its bid for a top two finish when it goes up against back-againstthe-wall NLEX in the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup today, November 25, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Kings enter the game at third spot with a 7-2 record, just a half-game behind second-running Magnolia Hotshots (8-2). Tournament-leader Bay Area has already secured one of the twice-to-beat incentives after closing the elimination round with a 10-2 card. Game time is at 5:45 p.m. The Road Warriors have lost their last five games, winning just once since Frankie Lim took over the coaching post after the team’s 2-0 start. They enter the game at 11th spot with a 3-7 win-loss record.

For Ginebra coach Tim Cone, the road to earning the last twiceto-beat incentive remains tough and bumpy since after NLEX, the league’s most popular squad will face dangerous teams NorthPort and Converge for its last two assignments in the elims.

“We have a tough road ahead of us. But again we still control our own destiny,” said Cone, whose team pulled off an 85-81 escape act against an import-less TNT over the weekend.

Cone, who picked up his 1,001st career win as PBA coach last week, is looking forward to pitting wits with Lim.

Lim served as Cone’s team captain when the American was still a young coach for the Alaska squad.

“He was my team captain with Alaska for four years. He knows me really, really well. So I’m looking forward to that great matchup,” he said. “I haven’t seen him in a few years.”

In the opening game at 3 p.m., Rain or Shine and Blackwater collide with both teams also facing a must-win situation.

The Elasto Painters have lost their last two games with new import Ryan Pearson in tow. Rain or Shine is at ninth place in the standings with a 4-6 record.

The Bossing, who have lost their last five games, enter the game with a 3-8 card.

Making things more difficult for Blackwater is the continued absence of veteran guard JVee Casio (groin) and forward Troy Rosario, who is already out for the remainder of the conference due to plantar fasciitis. Starting guard Baser Amer has been out also due to calf injury.

Games Today (PhilSports Arena) 3 p.m. Blackwater vs Rain or Shine 5:45 p.m. Ginebra vs NLEX Team standings:

Bay Area (10-2), Magnolia (8-2), Barangay Ginebra (7-2), Converge (83), NorthPort (6-5), San Miguel (5-5), Phoenix (5-6), Meralco (4-5), Rain or Shine (4-6), TNT (4-7), NLEX (3-7), Blackwater (3-8), Terrafirma (1-10)