MANILA, Philippines — The arrival of super sub import George King has given Blackwater a new lease on life in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup elims.
With King on board, the Bossing have gone on a three-game roll after a limping 0-3 start, making them feel good about this campaign going forward.
But not too good, cautioned coach Jeff Cariaso.
After all, the last time the Bossing had won three straight at the beginning of the previous season’s Philippine Cup, they went into a seven-match tailspin and eventually missed the playoffs.
“We have to be able to overcome just any thought of complacency,” said Cariaso before the Bossing (3-3) gun for a fourth straight W against Barangay Ginebra (3-2) tonight at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“I think we’re in a good space. And the players understand the situation we’re in. Our players are maturing better and they all understand that we haven’t done anything yet, we haven’t achieved anything yet. So the goal is just to continue getting better and improving.”
This will be tested fully at 7:30 p.m. as Cariaso’s fired-up charges led by King and the resurgent Troy Rosario duel with a Gin Kings crew out for payback for the 95-88 reversal the Bossing dealt them in the first round of Group B action.
“It’s a big game for both of us opening up the second round,” said Ginebra tactician Tim Cone as he tasked Justin Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar and the rest of the gang to be at their best in the rematch.