BARANGAY GINEBRA, BARAKO BULL TRY TO GET BACK TO WIN COLUMN

Beaten in an out-of-town match Saturday, Barangay Ginebra looks to bounce back to stay among the
front runners in tangling with Barako Bull in the PBA Philippine Cup Friday at the Smart Araneta
Coliseum.

The Kings had a sad tale to tell from their Digos, Davao del Sur journey, losing their focus on the
game in the second half and subsequently suffering an 88-95 loss to the Meralco Bolts.

That was Ginebra’s first loss in the season following back-to-back wins over Globalport and Rain
or Shine.

“We have to play consistently especially on defense. Barako is capable of putting up big numbers
with their mix of veteran and young players,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen for their 7:30
p.m. duel with the Energy Coffee.

Barako Bull got off to a triumphant season debut versus Air21 before yielding to Petron Blaze and
Alaska Milk.

“Just one win and we’re on a skid again,” said Barako coach Junel Baculi.

“But we’re working to improve. Ginebra is tough but beating them is doable,” Baculi also said.

Meralco leaned on the exploits of Mac Cardona, Sol Mercado, Cliff Hodge and Mark Borboran in
essaying a stirring come-from-behind win over Ginebra in the kickoff game of the PBA Phoenix Fuel on
Tour in Digos.

Mark Caguioa and Chris Ellis put in 19 points each for the Kings who dominated in the first half
before fading away in the second half.

The Energy Cola’s problem is that they’re a lot more inconsistent than the Kings.

In their last game against Alaska, starters Rico Villanueva, Ronald Tubid, Josh Urbiztondo, Mick
Pennisi and Leo Najorda combined for 75 points but the rest of their teammates added only 11.

“How can you sustain a good game with that. Di naka-contribute ang bench,” rued Baculi.

Villanueva and Tubid are likely to be motivated, and may well play even better versus their former
team Friday. (SB)

SOURCE: Pba.ph

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