We’ve got to come out with all the energy, says Ginebra’s Urbiztondo

We’ve got to come out with all the energy, says Ginebra’s Urbiztondo

MANILA – Now that the PBA All-Star weekend is over, all attention shifts back to the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

After Ranidel de Ocampo nailed a late triple in Game 2 to allow the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters to tie the series, Barangay Ginebra is looking to repeat their Game 1 success on Wednesday.

Ginebra playmaker Josh Urbiztondo knows the winner of the next game will come down to who can dictate the pace from the get-go.

“We've really got to initiate the intensity of the game, control the tempo of the game and just be the one to come out with all the energy,” said Urbiztondo.

“The first two games, we've put that behind us. Now it comes down to a best-of-three series.”

In the last outing, Talk ‘N Text came out firing and led by as much as 29 points in the game. Macklin had his hands full, alternately defending against de Ocampo and TNT import Jerome Jordan, who both shot a combined 14 of 23 from the field.

With a depleted frontline due to injuries to Rudy Hatfield and Billy Mamaril, Macklin had to pick up the slack, playing all 48 minutes in Game 2.

But fatigue caught up with Ginebra’s import as he only finished with 15 points on 5 of 14 shooting.

“With Billy and Rudy injured, he (Macklin) played all 48 minutes and it was really tough (for him),” shared the explosive guard.

“He got really fatigued out there but he's a winner. He'll definitely be ready for Game 3. (And) Billy and Rudy will be
back next game.”

The third game of the best-of-five series between Barangay Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text is set for tomorrow at 7:30pm at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Source: solar sports desk