BARANGAY Ginebra had to scramble past Columbian Dyip to open its PBA Governors Cup title retention bid on a winning note.
Against solo league leader Alaska Aces, the Kings can't afford to show up and play the same way.
"Many sees we're lucky to pull that one out," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone after the team's 96-84 win Friday night over the Dyip. "We got to play a heck of a lot better against the league leader on Sunday."
Cone lamented the Kings weren't rebounding and committing 'silly turnovers' against the Dyip. While they clobbered the opposition off the boards, 65-45, the defending champions had more turnovers, 24-13.
Sponsored content: Certainly that's a no-no against a disciplined team like Alaska.
"We'll see how much energy we have on Sunday against Alaska. That's going to be a big question mark for us," said Cone.
The Aces have been off to a fast start in the conference, winning their first three games to take the solo top spot. They are coming off a 108-97 win over Phoenix Fuel Masters.
In contrast, the Kings have yet to get in rhythm as obviously gleaned in the Columbian game.
Cone attributed it to 'championship hangover' of which the Kings are just three weeks removed after clinching the Commissioner's Cup title at the expense of San Miguel.
Sponsored content: "Emotionally, that's always a big battle, coming off a championship," said the 60-year-old mentor, the winningest in league history. It's a coaches' nightmare."
"Our team needs challenges. And I think we'll get up for it in Alaska because they are league leading and we'll be ready and prepared."(RG)
