GINEBRA, BARAKO IN CRUCIAL TIFF FOR A SURE QUARTERFINAL SEAT AT LEAST

by **Ginebra Tambayan** Sun Mar 25, 2012 1:26 am

GINEBRA, BARAKO IN CRUCIAL TIFF FOR A SURE QUARTERFINAL SEAT AT LEAST
Published on March 25, 2012

Barangay Ginebra and Barako Bull clash Sunday in a critical tiff in the penultimate play date of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round, disputing one of three remaining spots in the playoffs.

The Kings and the Energy slug it out at 6:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, both seeking win No. 5 that will guarantee them outright passage into the conference playoffs.

Both teams are also still in contention for one of the two outright semifinal berth. Barangay Ginebra still has a game against the Air21 Express Wednesday.

The Kings, however, aren’t looking beyond their Sunday assignment, expecting a battle royale with Barako Bull.

The Energy vow to do what it takes to win this game to avoid complications of any tie at sixth place.

Only three quarterfinals slots are left to be filled after Meralco and Alaska Milk topped Air21 and Powerade, respectively, Friday.

Defending champion Talk ‘N Text and B-Meg gained free rides into the post-elim plays with good shots at the Top Two. Alaska also secured a spot in the Magic Six – redemption from its forgettable ninth-place finish in the Philippine Cup.

The Kings and the Energy are both determined to also make the next round. And they’re taking on each other with a lot of caution.

“It’s huge for both of us so I expect it to be a tough game. We need to play aggressive and smart,” said Barangay Ginebra head coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“We have to be mentally prepared. Ginebra is on the upswing. We will be the underdogs but we will be there the whole game to compete,” said Barako Bull counterpart Junel Baculi.

Barako Bull import Rodney White is setting aside a family concern back home in the United States to play this important game.

“We will talk after the game,” said Baculi.

Both the Kings and the Energy are coming off rousing victories.

The Kings stalled the Tropang Texters, 94-91, Sunday while the Energy won their last two games versus the Meralco Bolts (89-82) and the Petron Blaze Boosters (94-80). (SB)

Source: PBA.ph