ANOTHER TOUGH CHALLENGE UP FOR KINGS

The Barangay Ginebra Kings have snapped out of a long five-game losing skein but face an uphill
battle right in their next game against the defending back-to-back PBA Philippine Cup champs.

Coach Siot Tanquingcen and his players aren’t entertaining any illusion.

“No question about it mabigat ang kalaban,” said Tanquingcen of their game against the Talk n
Text Tropang Texters at the return of the all-Filipino tourney at the MOA Arena in Pasay Sunday.

The Ginebra mentor is hoping they will be able to build on their 81-79 win over Globalport Friday.

“It’s a relief, but it’s just for one night as we have to prepare for a tough game against
Talk n Text,” said Ginebra top gun Mark Caguioa.

Stopped by the Alaska Milk Aces on Nov. 2, the Texters have got back on track with a 92-82 whipping
of the Boosters Wednesday.

Talk n Text paces the field with a 7-1 win-loss card while Ginebra is four full games down at 3-5.

Dominant as they are, the Texters may well get extra boost on the scheduled return of Jarred
Dillinger and Ryan Reyes Sunday.

“Big test really. We’re up against the league’s No. 1 team and we have to come out and
play,” said Tanquingcen.

Tanquingcen is realistic they’re not out of the woods but he’s not about to give up.

“Tiwala sa isa’t-isa and we’ll get through this one way or the other,” he said.

“It’s really a process. Admittedly after the first two games, yung hype ang laki and somehow
nawala sa focus. We have to regain focus,” he added.

Before snapping out of the rut, Caguioa has described their team as: “Parang tumatakbong walang
ulo.”

Tanquingcen and Caguioa, however, hope they can sustain the momentum of their win the last time out.

“It’s a confidence booster. Sana magtuloy-tuloy,” said Tanquingcen. (SB)

SOURCE: PBA.ph