The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Talk ‘N Text KaTropa Texters at 7:00 P.M. on June 15, 2017 in Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage during the quarterfinals round, Gin Kings is now at the different side of the coin as they’re facing elimination in the semis against KaTropa which are now a trice-to-beat team.
According to Fidel Mangonon III (PBA chief statistician), 33 out of 34 teams which owns a 2-0 in a best-of-five wins the series.
However, that one team that didn’t win after gaining the advantage was TNT back in 2010 Philippine Cup and they lost to Ginebra.
Coach Tim Cone squad is again in a similar situation back in 2017 PBA Philippine Cup. From last conference quarterfinals to semis all of their game went to a knockout game.
“Our backs are against the wall again,” said Japeth Aguilar. “We’ll (have to) do it the hard way again. May chance pa so it’s up to us kung paano namin ma-so-solve and kung paano namin tatalunin TNT… Hindi pa naman kami nawawalan ng pag-asa. We’re still looking forward to Game 3.”
“Sana mapakita ulit namin ngayon, kasi last conference down kami 0-2, pero best-of-seven ‘yun, ito short series lang,” said Scottie Thompson. “Sana dito namin maipakita ‘yung ‘never say die’ spirit.”
Talk ‘N Text coach Nash Racela warned his players not to relax despite of having a commanding 2-0 advantage. He fully understand the potential of Barangay Ginebra to cast a comeback.
Related: Justin Brownlee Hot Shooting Leads Ginebra Win Game 3
“You don’t usually get this kind of an advantage against Ginebra,” added Racela. “But knowing the character of this team they never give up. So if there’s one team that could come back it’s them,” Racela said.
Although down in the series, Gin Kings still got some consolation price in Game 2. They were able to make ways to stop TNT’s “Jumbotron” import.
In game 1, Joshua Smith hulking Ginebra and logged 35 points along with his 13 rebounds. In Game 2, he was limited to only 16 points and 16 rebounds.
his last rebound however gave TNT a four-point lead that sealed the game. Anthony Semerad also played an important role in their last match-up.
Semerad converted four three-pointers in the fourth quarter that gave his team a lead for the first time. He also superb on containing Justin Browlee on the defensive end.