Kings play E-Painters

Kings play E-Painters
Written by : Zean Macamay


Game Today: (Al Shabab Club , Dubai)

7 p.m. (11 p.m. Manila time) – Rain or Shine vs. Ginebra

Games on Sunday: (Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Meralco vs. Powerade
6:30 p.m. – Alaska vs. Talk ‘N Text


GINEBRA knows Rain or Shine isn’t that too robust after having to battle Barako Bull Thursday night.

So the Kings might as well have to pounce on the opportunity.

The league’s most popular ball club tonight attempt to take full advantage of the weary Elasto Painters, seeking to bounce back from a heart-ripping defeat and aiming to notch their second win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Al Shabbab Sports Center in Dubai.

Ginebra was watching with keen interest the collision between Rain or Shine and Barako Bull as of press time, scouting the Painters and their high-leaping import Duke Crews. No matter what the result was, the Kings definitely will still have the edge when they confront thePainters at 7 o’clock tonight (11 p.m. Manila time).

“They enjoy some advantage since they will have a one-day rest,” said Painters’ coach Yeng Guiao. “They have the time to acclimatize and watch us.”

This is the first time that Ginebra will tackle Rain or Shine since losing to the Painters in the Philippine Cup quarter-finals via a sweep. And in a way, the Kings will be looking for some sort of redemption and return home with a vital victory in the short import-spiced tournament.

“Hopefully, we could come home with a win to make this trip extra special,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

The Kings were one of three teams that played an elimination round game here last year along with Talk ‘N Text and sister-team B-Meg. But Ginebra did not get the job done, losing to the Tropang Texters, 123-113.

Ginebra just hopes the result would be different this time.

The Kings’ cast right now is different. They’re already boosted by the addition of low-post expert Kerby Raymundo and Dylan Ababou, the rookie with a fine touch from the long court.

Perhaps the thing that will bother Ginebra is its 76-74 defeat against Alaska last Feb. 18 in a game where it allowed LA Tenorio to score seven points – a four-point play and a three-point shot -- in the final 18.4 seconds.

But Rain or Shine, too, dropped its first two games, and Guiao couldn’t hide his dissatisfaction over the result.

“It’s not the lack of ability to win but the inexperience to close out games,” Guiao said. “It’s just the toughness going to the end-game and being smarter to close out the game. Our problem is that we’re being so reliant on Paul Lee on closing out. Whatever you say, he’s a rookie, he’s still young.”

Meantime, the PBA likely will stage playoff games in Dubai, according to Commissioner Chito Salud.

“Please note that we’re already holding official PBA games here, not exhibition matches. To show more love and affection to our kababayans here, at the right time, we may bring playoff matches,” said Salud.

Salud added that even a championship match could be held.

“At the right time and talking to the right people, our long-term goal here is to hold playoff games. I think it’s possible to hold one best-of-three quarterfinals series here while another series is being played back in Manila. Or we can play one final game here,” said Salud.



Source: Journal.com.ph