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The NorthPort Batang Pier have a lot to prove—not just as semifinal contenders, but as the top seeds in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone acknowledges NorthPort’s legitimacy, making it clear that the Kings are not underestimating their opponents. However, in Game One of their best-of-seven semifinal series, the Batang Pier failed to rise to the occasion, suffering a crushing 115-93 defeat against the seasoned Gin Kings on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Was it the extended break that threw them off? Did the layoff disrupt their rhythm? Perhaps rust played a role.
Whatever the reason, coach Bonnie Tan’s squad was ambushed by a supposedly fatigued and underprepared Ginebra team. Despite coming off a grueling stint with Gilas Pilipinas, Justin Brownlee and his teammates showed no signs of exhaustion, stepping up to secure a crucial series-opening win.
Now, the pressure is on NorthPort to regroup and bounce back from their lopsided Game One loss. Game Two is set for 5 p.m. on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Did NorthPort underestimate Ginebra? Were they unprepared for what the Kings could bring?
According to Cone, a key factor in Ginebra’s readiness was the preparation led by his assistants while he was away with Gilas.
“I thought coach Olsen (Racela) and coach Kirk (Collier) did such a fantastic job with the guys over the last two weeks preparing them,” Cone said. “They had a practice game against a Korean team, so when I got back, I felt like RJ (Abarrientos), Stephen (Holt), and everybody else were just raring to go.”
The Gilas returnees delivered, while Abarrientos, Holt, and the rest of Ginebra’s roster dismantled NorthPort, despite a solid performance from Kadeem Jack, who finished with 33 points and 12 rebounds.
A major difference-maker was Ginebra’s defensive strategy, as they neutralized Arvin Tolentino, a top contender for Best Player of the Conference. Tolentino was held to just eight points on a dismal 2-of-11 shooting performance.
Sensing an opportunity, the Kings never let up, taking control of the game and setting themselves up for a commanding 2-0 series lead on Friday.
A dominant third-quarter surge allowed Ginebra’s core players to take an early breather, with the reserves stepping in to close out the game. That extra rest could prove crucial as the Kings look to maintain their momentum in Game Two.
