B-MEG, Ginebra clash in do-or-die playoff for finals seat

B-MEG, Ginebra clash in do-or-die playoff for finals seat



AKTV/Paolo Papa

B-MEG and Barangay Ginebra dispute the last finals berth as they face off in a crucial playoff in the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Llamados and the Kings collide at 6:45 p.m. with the winner getting the right to meet Rain or Shine in the best-of-seven championship series.

B-MEG was relegated to the playoff after the Elasto Painters beat the Llamados last Sunday for the top spot in the semis.

Ginebra, on the other hand, pulled off a 73-71 escape against Talk ‘N Text to clinch the four-of-five incentive to vie for the playoff for the second finals seat.

“Effort and execution in game like this is crucial,” said Kings coach Siot Tanquingcen, whose only defeat in the semis was at the hands of B-MEG.

“They (Llamados) are a proud champion team and the last time we saw each other, we were outplayed by B-MEG,” he added.

B-MEG coach Tim Cone admitted his team was not prepared to battle the physicality of Rain or Shine in their previous game but promised to put up a better effort in their do-or-die encounter.

“We were unprepared for the amount of physicality the league allowed last night and that falls squarely on me and I should have known better,” said Cone.

“We won’t be unprepared tomorrow.”

Cone needs a better effort from import Marqus Blakely, who had a quiet 18-point performance and shot 6-of-14 from the free throw zone, to stand a chance the confident Kings.

Cedric Bozeman is expected to have his hands full on Blakely while B-MEG will have to find a way to neutralize Mark Caguioa again.

In their lone semifinals meeting, Caguioa was held down to just three points on 0-of-12 shooting from the floor.

Source: Interaksyon.com