Who wins Game 3?
Dabawenyos split on whoever takes series lead
BASKETBALL enthusiasts of Davao City are split on whoever takes the series lead in the 2016 PBA Governor's Cup Finals after Game 3 tonight after Barangay Ginebra forced a 1-1 deadlock with Meralco Bolts. The Gin Kings levelled the series via an 82-79 win in Game 2 Sunday after losing to the Bolts, 109114, Friday last week. Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Crusaders coach Ice Gravador said, "It is a very evenly matched series. It can go either way tomorrow. I'll pick Ginebra just because one team has to win." Former Ateneo de Davao University basketball coach Mark Samante, who is currently promotions and alumni affairs coordinator, however, said Meralco will bounce back with coach Norman Black making adjustments to free up Allen Durham to dominate as he did last Game 1.
"Durham needs to dominate as a boost for the locals," Samante said.
Ramlee Lanoy, a varsity player of Jose Maria College (JMC) Kings, also said Meralco will take Game 3, citing Durham's formidable presence. "Ang lakas ng import, may pang fourth quarter, may ending po."
But former JMC Kings' Levi O. dela Cruz II, who is currently suiting up for Arellano University, chooses Ginebra since the team has a strong line-up.
"Kung tutuusin mas malalaki po sila keysa sa Meralco," Dela Cruz said.
Former Sun.Star Davao editor Ruji Abat, who works as editor at the Presidential Photographers Division in Malacañang Palace, said the Bolts will come out with a 2-1 edge as they will stop Ginebra import Justin Brownlee. "Overall, the Bolts will do a better job defensively. They just have to dictate the pace of the game. Bold prediction: Bolts win by 10 (laughs)."
Veteran basketball organizer Rico Jhone Biliran, a former staff at the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO) though admits he is no Ginebra fan, he suggested that for Meralco to win and continue winning, they must convert outside shooting and for Durham to have enough space down low to operate.
Dabawenyo Marcel Antonio Melendres, on the other hand, expects Coach Black to adjust being a "master of adjustment". Even if Ginebra coach Tim Cone also adjusts, according to him, expect a better all-around game from Meralco especially from best import Durham.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Charles Raymond A. Maxey and Ronnel Abrenica, executive assistant of PSC Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez, being avid Ginebra fans, only said they are rooting for their team that they expect to come out as tonight's victor.