The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Meralco Bolts at 5:45 PM on March 1, 2023 live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum at Quezon City, Metro Manila.
The Gin Kings look like wanted to fire up a new winning streak after their hot start this conference got halted due to some of their key players getting sidelined due to injuries while the Bolts will try to pick up where they left off and extend their winning ways to three in a row.
The Barangay Ginebra and Meralco Bolts will clash in a crucial PBA Governors’ Cup game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday. Both teams have playoff aspirations, with the Bolts currently at 5-3, just a win away from a spot in the quarterfinals, while the Kings are on the brink of playoff entry at 4-2. This game is not just about making it to the Last 8 but also securing a top-four finish and the coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the quarters.
Meralco is on a roll, having won their last two games against NLEX and Magnolia. However, they are facing a well-rested Ginebra team that is looking to bounce back from their last loss to the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Ginebra coach Tim Cone said, “We have a really tough game coming up against Meralco. They’ve been playing really well of late, and they always give us problems.”
On the other hand, Meralco coach Norman Black is wary of Ginebra’s size advantage, saying, “Ginebra is always tough, and they always have a size advantage against us, so we need to find a way to neutralize that.”
One player who will be looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss to Jordan in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers is Ginebra’s, Scottie Thompson. He missed two crucial free throws in the dying seconds of the game, allowing Jordan to escape with a 91-90 win. “Biggest missed free throws ko sa career ko,” said Thompson. However, he remains optimistic, saying, “I’m going to learn from this. I’m sorry I let the nation down.”
With the playoffs looming, both teams will be playing with a sense of urgency. It promises to be a thrilling match, with Meralco looking to continue their winning streak and Ginebra trying to get back to their winning ways. Catch the game live at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.