By JONAS TERRADO
Defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel looks to restore its hold on the solo lead despite another injury setback to veteran forward Joe Devance when it battles NLEX today in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coach Tim Cone said Devance will miss about three to four weeks due to a fracture on his left foot, leaving the Kings without another major contributor in their 7 p.m. duel with the Road Warriors of national coach Yeng Guiao.
Japeth Aguilar, who hurt his calf while playing for the national team in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, is questionable for tonight and Sunday’s match against the Meralco Bolts in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Meralco, fresh from finishing fourth in the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in Nonthaburi, Thailand, resumes its campaign in the season-ending tourney against Blackwater in the opener at 4:30 p.m.
The Bolts will look to capitalize on the experience gained in the Champions Cup and improve their 1-3 record in the Governors’ Cup.
Blackwater is aching to get back on winning track after being handed a 124-106 loss to NLEX last Sept. 26 – the Elite’s first after posting their best start in the conference with four straight wins.
Ginebra is coming off a thrilling 101-99 win over Phoenix last Saturday in Cagayan de Oro City to raise its record to 5-1 despite missing Aguilar, Greg Slaughter and Sol Mercado to injuries.
The Kings eventually share the top spot after Manila Clasico rival Magnolia rolled to a 113-95 victory over Columbian Dyip two nights ago.
The fractured foot is the latest of many injuries Devance has dealt over the past two seasons. In fact, the former No. 1 draft pick was forced to play less than 100 percent since last month when Slaughter and Aguilar went down.
Devance is averaging 13.7 points and 5.7 assists per game this conference.
NLEX attempts to tie Phoenix at 5-2 and maintain a solid campaign despite missing rookie Kiefer Ravena to a FIBA suspension and Kevin Alas to an ACL injury.
Guiao has been banking on veteran Larry Fonacier and unheralded players Kenneth Ighalo, Mac Tallo and Bong Galanza as solid compliments to import Aaron Fuller.