Barangay Ginebra rides the momentum of a key win over TNT KaTropa the last time out as it shoots for a sure Top Four elims finish and a twice-to-win quarterfinals bonus in facing Columbian Dyip in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.
It's a big game considering Columbian is also pushing for its own quarterfinals hopes, aching to bounce back from a loss to the Meralco Bolts the last time out to regain solo seventh place.
Their loss to the Bolts coupled by wins by the NorthPort Batang Pier and the Alaska Milk Aces in their last outings forged a three-way deadlock at seventh with their identical 4-6 win-loss cards.
The Kings eye a sure Top Four windup while the Dyip go for an automatic playoff shot at the last quarterfinals berth as they mix it up at 7 p.m.
Coach Tim Cone and his Gin Kings are currently at fourth at 6-3, a full game behind the third-running TNT KaTropa (7-2) and half-game ahead of the fifth-running San Miguel Beermen (6-4).
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TNT and SMB clash in a crucial game at the close of the elims on Nov. 20. But even if the Kings, the KaTropa and the Beermen end up tied from third to fifth, Ginebra is guaranteed of the Top Four with their superior quotient. The Kings have beaten both the KaTropa and the Beermen.
A big, big win for the Kings was their 96-93 decision over the KaTropa highlighted by Stanley Pringle's clutch play at the finish.
They rebounded from a loss to the Bolts despite the absence Greg Slaughter due to a fractured finger.
Uncertain is Slaughter's return.
But even minus the 7-1 behemoth, the Kings are heavily favored against the Dyip, with their much deeper lineup.
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Cone would hear none of it, though. He wants the Kings in complete focus in their last two games in pursuit of a twice-to-beat advantage and in preparation in their hope to go deep in the playoffs. (SB)
