By REYNALD MAGALLON
The redemption tour continues for Barangay Ginebra in the second round.
After taking down Blackwater, one of the only two teams that put blemish to its record in the first round, Ginebra is now looking to get back at Group B leader Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, Sept. 13
The rematch is set at 7:30 p.m. with the Kings out to avenge their 73-64 loss ther first time they clashed in Candon City last Aug. 24.
Setting up the table for the much-awaited showdown is the 5 p.m. tiff between San Miguel, which is aiming to solidify their place in the Top 4, and Phoenix, which, on the other hand, is hoping to inject life to their flickering playoff hopes.
After a shaky start to the season, the Kings have finally found their groove and won three straight for a 4-2 record just a game behind the Elasto Painters, who have recently bounced back from their first defeat this season for a 5-1 slate.
While there’s certainly some motivation in beating ROS after their first round matchup, Ginebra coach Tim Cone is not really buying into the revenge angle of the contest as their only focus, according to him, is to get into the playoffs.
“We’re just trying to win games whether it be Rain or Shine or anybody else. But you learn lessons. We hopefully learn some lessons that last time we played Rain or Shine and make adjustments and come in with a clearer gameplan,” said Cone.
Of course, even with Justin Brownlee leading a potent local crew, toppling the Elasto Painters, who have been playing like legitimate title contenders, remains a daunting task especially that they are also needing the crucial win.
A victory for Rain or Shine would formally clinch them a spot in the quarterfinals as according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, six wins should already be enough to move into the next round.
Still, ROS coach Yeng Guiao remains wary of the Kings, believing that the team they defeated in Candon City was not yet the real Ginebra team.
“I’m sure they’ll be much more prepared kasi first game nila yon eh noong kalaban kami they came out of the offseason,” Guiao pointed out.
“The Ginebra we played in Candon is not the real Ginebra so ito nga gumaganda na yung laro nila, on Friday, we will be playing a tougher team and a better conditioned team,” he added.
As Rain or Shine is bracing for fightback, the Elasto Painter are leaning on Aaron Fuller to lead the way although the rest of the team are surely ready to contribute evidently in their last game with seven other players scoring in double-figures.
“I’m sure ayaw nilang maulit ‘yung nangyari sa Candon pero kami, gusto naming maulit. So magandang laban,” he added.
