CLINCHING an automatic playoff entry the last time out, Barangay Ginebra now shifts its focus on the road towards the top.
The Gin Kings (7-2) are currently at third place, but there's a pathway for the team to jump past frontrunner Bay Area (10-2) and second-running Magnolia (8-2) in the PBA Commissioner's Cup leaderboard.
Coach Tim Cone and his troops pursue that drive, starting with a game versus a back-to-the-wall NLEX side at 5:45 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena Friday.
The immediate goal is to hurdle the Road Warriors to catch up with the Magnolia Hotshots at second place.
If they're successful, they take a shot at a Top 2 finish in their last outings against NorthPort and Converge.
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"We've got a tough road ahead of us but we control our own destiny," said Cone.
He insists it's a tough road ahead, saying all their last three assignments are dangerous foes.
Cone said NorthPort and Converge have been doing well all tournament long, and he's not counting out NLEX although the Road Warriors are mired at 11th.
Cone braces for an interesting coaching duel with NLEX counterpart Frankie Lim, who skippered his old Alaska team in the 1990s.
"He was my team captain with Alaska for like four years, he knows me really well. So looking forward to this matchup and seeing Frankie again," said the Ginebra mentor.
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It's been pretty tough for Lim in his first conference with the Road Warriors.
With a 3-7 card, the Road Warriors must sweep their last two games to get a shot at the quarters.
After the Ginebra game, NLEX closes out its elims stint versus Meralco on Wednesday. (SB)
