The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Converge FiberXers at 6:45 PM on March 5, 2023 live from the PhilSports Arena at Pasig City, Metro Manila.
Despite being not in their top form the Gin Kings were able to keep their top-four position in the current standings and wanted to solidify it with another victory tonight while the FiberXers will try to recover as they’re now clamped down with a two-game losing skid.
The excitement is palpable as Barangay Ginebra and Converge FiberXers get ready to face each other in a crucial match on Sunday, March 5th. With a chance to secure a top-four spot and a twice-to-beat advantage heading to the quarterfinals, both teams are expected to go all out and play their best game.
The Gin Kings, fresh off a 109-89 demolition of Phoenix on Friday night, are looking to get their fourth straight win and grab a share of the second spot with sister team San Miguel Beer. Coach Tim Cone is pleased with the performance of Fil-German big man Christian Standhardinger, who has stepped up big time in the last four games, averaging 28.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.
“He didn’t have heavy minutes when Japeth [Aguilar] was around, and oftentimes when they are splitting time together, he’s not gonna put out big numbers. With Japeth out, he’s getting heavier minutes. We have to go to him, and he’s responding big, big time,” said Cone.
Ginebra will be without injured starters Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio, but they remain a dangerous team with Standhardinger leading the charge.
Converge, on the other hand, is still smarting from a 132-129 overtime defeat to Meralco. The FiberXers are currently tied for the fourth and fifth spots with the Bolts at 6-4. They are now in a must-win situation and will need more than just another monster game from import Jamaal Franklin to beat a souped-up Ginebra side.
Franklin is coming off a huge effort after firing 57 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and issuing 11 assists in the narrow loss to Meralco. Coach Norman Black of Meralco recognizes the threat that Converge poses to the top four spots. “The teams are probably in the running [for top four], NLEX has a chance to get further up. They still have one game left, and so is Converge, so we have to win against Phoenix to get in the running for it, or at least, we still have a chance,” said Black.
The game promises to be an exciting one, with both teams vying for a crucial win. Fans can expect a high-scoring game with plenty of action and drama on the court. So get ready for a thrilling Sunday evening as the Gin Kings and FiberXers clash in a crucial tiff.