A single offensive force can't dismantle the defensive-oriented Meralco team.
Realizing that last game, the Barangay Ginebra Kings are regrouping and recalibrating going to Game Three where the opposing teams fight for the 2-1 lead in their side of the PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals.
"We need to get contributions from everybody and we didn't get that (in Game Two)," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, himself re-plotting his game plan and strategy after their 103-91 defeat Sunday where Christian Standhardinger's 41-point explosion went to naught.
"The game plan was obvious, put the ball on Christian's hands and make them beat us from the line. And he was almost up to the task. He kept his goings, he kept his hands. But they (Meralco) did a good job of shutting everybody else down," said Cone.
Needless to say, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Stanley Pringle are now called on to step up as the Gin Kings try to avoid back-to-back losses and instead replicate their 92-88 triumph in the series opener.
Sponsored content: The Kings and the Bolts break their one-game deadlock on the road in Dasmari?as, Cavite, clashing in the 7:30 p.m. mainer at the Dasmari?as Arena.
Earlier at 4:30 p.m., June Mar Fajardo and his San Miguel Beer teammate try to put the choke hold on Rain or Shine, going for win No. 3 after a 101-98 escape win in Game One then a 106-89 rout in the next game.
Engaged in a fierce battle are Meralco and Ginebra, with the Bolts banking heavily on their defensive mentality.
While allowing Standhardinger to pile up buckets while putting the clamps on the others, the Bolts struck back at the Kings Friday.
"Basketball is a team sport. There are five guys on the floor and it all comes down to utilizing these pieces," said Meralco ace Chris Newsome.
"We're okay with letting one guy go off if that means everybody else is cold and not in rhythm 'coz at the end of the day, all we need is a win. At the end of the game, if we're the ones that prevailed, then we did our jobs despite how many points our opponents had," Newsome also said.
Sponsored content: Overall, both sides have to dig deep.
"We have so much respect for them and I'm sure they have the same respect for us. It's gut it out, it's hard (fought). I'm sure the fans enjoy that, we enjoy it, we love that type of atmosphere," said Meralco mentor Luigi Trillo.(SB)
