‘We have to be prepared’ TNT braces for Ginebra comeback

MANILA, Philippines — He may be a greenhorn in the PBA finals but TNT’s Rey Nambatac has been around long to know that Barangay Ginebra is one team you shouldn’t give even a slight opening.

So for the seven-year guard, the Tropang Giga after taking Game 1, 104-88, should make the most of the situation and keep the Gin Kings pinned down with win No. 2 in the PBA Governors’ Cup title series.

“Kailangang i-address namin ‘yung mga lapses (in Game 1), which is pwedeng magbigay ng momentum sa kanila. Kasi ‘yun talaga ‘yung iniiwasan namin dahil knowing Ginebra, kapag nabigyan mo sila ng momentum, ng ganung chances, mag-o-all the way sila. So ‘yun ‘yung dapat namin tignan sa viewing namin,” Nambatac said.

After the defending champions’ masterful opening romp, TNT mentor Chot Reyes braces for a countermove from Ginebra counterpart Tim Cone in tonight’s 7:30 p.m. Game 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m sure Ginebra will make its adjustment so we have to be prepared,” said Reyes.

“I always tell the players they are the strategy. When whatever happens inside the court, they will be the ones to make the adjustment, sila ‘yung magpi-pivot, sila ‘yung magka-counter..”

TNT unleashed its defensive might and stopped Ginebra’s usually efficient offensive machine in the kickoff of the best-of-seven finale last Sunday in front of a record 11,201 fans at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

“They took a lot of what we wanted to do away from us,” rued Cone, whose charges scored below their usual norm of 106.5 markers and shot a woeful 2-of-21 clip from three-point territory (9.5 percent), way down their regular percentage of 37 percent.

“We’re going to have to turn around and move on and see what we can do to change our fortunes in Game 2,” added the Ginebra coach.