(PBA image)
With their backs pressed firmly against the wall, Barangay Ginebra Kings are once again leaning on their famed never-say-die spirit as they brace for a must-win showdown against defending champion San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
Down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series after absorbing a 115-109 loss in Game 5, the Kings know there is no room for error when they take the floor Friday at 7:30 p.m. Lose, and the season ends. Win, and the door opens to a winner-take-all Game 7.
Coach Tim Cone made it clear that nothing else matters now but survival.
“We can’t get to a Game 7, winner-take-all, unless we take care of Game 6,” Cone said. “That’s where our focus is going to be.”
The situation feels all too familiar. Just last season, Ginebra found itself in the exact same hole against the Beermen in the All-Filipino Cup semifinals. The Kings managed to extend that series behind a clutch game-winning three from then-captain LA Tenorio, only to fall short in Game 7, 100-93.
Cone would welcome another chance at a decider, but he stressed that cleaner execution will be crucial this time around, particularly in taking better care of the ball.
“We made crucial turnovers all throughout that game where we could have made runs,” he said. “It just wasn’t our night. We were fumbling the ball. The ball wasn’t going in for us.”
Still, Cone found encouragement in how his team refused to fold. Ginebra clawed its way back from a 17-point deficit and had San Miguel within striking distance at 111-109 in the final moments.
“Got to appreciate the guys for the fight when they fought back in the game,” Cone said. “Our guys continued to fight and battle.”
That grit will need to be on full display again if the Kings are to keep their season alive and force one more chapter in a rivalry that never seems to lack drama.
