MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra hopes to ride the momentum of its incredible come-from-behind win over Powerade Saturday in Victorias, Negros Occidental as the Kings meet the Shopinas.com Clickers today in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Powerade, meanwhile, hopes to recover from that shocking loss as it tangles with B-Meg in the day’s other game.
The Kings cashed in on the Tigers’ four missed free throws in the closing seconds to complete their amazing comeback from five points inside the final minute for a 73-72 victory in their road game at the Victorias Sports and Amusement Center over the weekend.
Coach Siot Tanquingcen and his chargers are raring to build up on that win, looking to breach the .500 mark in tackling the Clickers in their 7:30 p.m. tiff.
However, Tanquingcen is not taking the Clickers lightly, saying: “It’s important for us to take care of the ball because they would trap. We would be in for a long night if we’re not ready.”
The Clickers, on the other hand, are not losing hope despite their poor 0-4 win-loss start.
Shopinas coach Franz Pumaren said they intend to outwork and outhustle Ginebra and play consistent basketball the best they could.
A good break for Shopinas was Homer Se avoided suspension after trying to attack Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi in their game Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Dorian Peña, who tackled down Se, was likewise spared. Peña and Se were given lighter sanctions with fines of P11,000 and P2,600, respectively.
Both Powerade and B-Meg seek to get on track in their 5:15 p.m. setto.
While the Tigers blew what looked like a won ballgame the last time out, the Llamados, on the other hand, dropped their last two matches versus the Meralco Bolts and the Talk n Text Tropang Texters.
“At this point of the conference, we’re looking to keep working and keep progressing as a team. It would be great if we can put a good performance together against Powerade,” said B-Meg coach Tim Cone.
The American mentor feels the Tigers have been doing better so far.
The Tigers (2-2) are out to go over the .500 mark again after the painful loss to the Kings hastened by two missed free throws each by Romel Adducul and Gary David in the last 26 seconds.
“It was a hard pill to swallow. However, we do understand that in order for us to grow, we need to go through those kinds of adversity. Our resolve to be better remains the same,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.
Finally tapped to play Saturday, top draft pick Jvee Casio is tipped to play longer minutes today.
“Definitely, although he’s not yet 100 percent fit,” said Perasol.