KINGS, BOLTS CLASH IN OUT-OF-TOWN SERIES OPENER

KINGS, BOLTS CLASH IN OUT-OF-TOWN SERIES OPENER

Published on June 1, 2012
Amidst an apparent brewing dissension within the team, Barangay Ginebra goes on the road, taking on
Meralco at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City Saturday.

Coach Siot Tanquingcen is taking the nasty talks in stride as he would rather stay focused on his
job.

Words are out some team officials and players are not happy on how Tanquingcen handles the team,
raising speculation that the youthful mentor will soon be replaced.

Tanquingcen said it’s the prerogative of the management.

Meantime, Tanquingcen and his troops look to bounce back from a loss the last time out as they play
the Bolts in the first offering of the PBA Phoenix Fuel on Tour series in the season-ending tourney.

The Kings and the Bolts both seek a second win in three outings in the Governors Cup as they collide
at 6:45 p.m.

Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio said they face another tough assignment in Ginebra.

“They’re a big challenge. Their roster is solid and just like us, are aching to bounce back
strong,” said Gregorio.

The Kings bowed to the B-Meg Llamados, 96-88, Sunday while the Bolts suffered a 101-88 beating at
the hands of the Petron Blaze Boosters a day earlier.

“Our defense is not yet solid. We have given away an average of 100 points in our first two games.
We need to be more tenacious,” said Gregorio.

“Champ Oguchi must step up and play much stronger on both ends, Sol Mercado and Mac Cardona must
be in sync on offense while Asi Taulava and Jayr Reyes must compete against Ginebra’s
frontline,” Gregorio also said.

Gregorio, in particular, challenges his import to rise up, anticipating a problem from Ginebra
reinforcement Cedric Bozeman.

“Bozeman is a quality import who can give us match-up problems. We must be ready to neutralize
him,” said Gregorio. (SB)

Source: PBA.ph