Ginebra begins life without Slaughter

Barangay Ginebra hopes to overcome the trauma of the unfortunate Greg Slaughter incident as the Gin Kings pursue eliminations top honors in going up against the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA Governors Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo today.

The Gin Kings set out for the 7 p.m. match chasing a fourth straight win and eighth in 10 games in all that will set the stage for a virtual playoff match for No. 1 spot between Ginebra and TNT KaTropa over at the Alonte Sports Center in Binan, Laguna on Sunday.

The Fuel Masters, on the other hand, seek a closing 6-5 win-loss card that will give them an outright quarterfinals entry or even a playoff crack at the No. 4 spot that rewards a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters.

The crucial GinebraPhoenix setto will be preceded by a non-bearing tiff between Globalport and Blackwater at 4:15 p.m.

“Losing Greg at this point has been devastating to the team and of course to him. He was the guy we pinned our hopes,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia, however, insists Ginebra is a formidable team with or without Slaughter, believing the Kings have fully adopted Cone’s winning system.

“We have to come out swinging versus Ginebra,” said Vanguardia, concerned the most on backcourt matchups.

“Their strength is our weakness,” said Vanguardia, taking to task Mark Cruz, Simon Enciso, Chico Lanete and Josh Urbiztondo to stand their ground against LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, Sol Mercado and Jayjay Helterbrand.

Vanguardia hopes JC Intal provides boost in his comeback from an ankle surgery.

“I think the imports will cancel each other out and it will be the locals that will make the difference. With JC back, we hope to have additional firepower and experience,” said Vanguardia.

Intal had been averaging 12.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists before injury got in the way in his otherwise fine season.

A loss will have Phoenix facing complications of a possible three-way tie from seventh to ninth.

“I’m quite positive we’ll hurdle the test. If not, we might go through a playoff (for the last quarterfinals slot),” said Vanguardia.

No doubt, Phoenix’s main weapon is import Eugene Phelps, a consistent top performer averaging 37.2 points, 21.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists.

Justin Brownlee, meanwhile, averages 30.2 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks for Ginebra. —

Philippine STAR News Service