Jun 19, 2018

Ginebra not taking Dyip lightly

Columbian Dyip tries to keep its spot in the Top Eight against closest pursuer Barangay Ginebra as they mix it up in a critical matchup Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Dyip are ahead at 4-5 but the Gin Kings (3-5) are certainly the odds-on pick as they've got going on the return of key players from injuries and on yet another comeback by resident import Justin Brownlee.

"We're a little more comfortable now," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone ahead of their Wednesday setto versus Columbian Dyip set at 7 p.m.

The Kings have become stable on the reactivation of Greg Slaughter and Joe Devance, and may well become a lot more solid on the entry of Jeff Chan from a trade deal with Phoenix Petroleum.

"Jeff obviously fills a big hole for us. His ability to spread the floor for Greg (Slaughter) and Japeth (Aguilar) could spell the difference," said Cone.

Sponsored content:
But Cone remains wary of the Dyip, noting their topnotch showing in their 115-107 conquest of the Fuel Masters on June 10.

Cone said they will not take Columbian for granted as they seek to keep their winning streak in a bid to finally break into the Top Eight.

Going to the match, the Dyip share seventh spot with the Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots while the Kings are half-game behind at ninth place.

"We have no margin for error. But if we find a way to win our three tough games, we could make the Top Six," said Cone, whose team faces Columbian, Alaska Milk then GlobalPort in their last three games in the one round-robin elims.

Columbian, meanwhile, has Ginebra and GlobalPort as final assignments.

Sponsored content:
The Dyip pumped life into their sagging playoff aspiration when they topped the Fuel Masters after three successive losses to the Hotshots, the TNT KaTropa Texters and the San Miguel Beermen.

Coach Ricky Dandan is hopeful they can find a way to clinch a spot in post-elims play.(SB)