One-game-to-two was not the kind of start expected of Barangay Ginebra. And so was Columbian Dyip's 2-2.
The Kings are determined to right their wrong start while the Dyip are eager to prove their decent opening run is for real as they slug it out in the 7 p.m. mainer of a PBA Philippine Cup Petron Blaze Saturday Special at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
Ginebra was pretty solid in a 90-79 drubbing of TNT KaTropa in the season opener but then dropped its next two games against San Miguel Beer (91-99) and Rain or Shine (80-83).
It's a disappointing two-game slide, considering the high expectation from the team that is in full force on the return of a number of key players from the injured list.
But the Kings are likely to exert their best effort to avert further slide against the Dyip.
Sponsored content:
They surely know the Dyip can't be taken for granted as CJ Perez and his teammates have shown in their upsets of the San Miguel Beermen and the NorthPort Batang Pier.
The Dyip also made heads turn in their loss to the NLEX Road Warriors last Sunday where they waged a gallant fightback from a 31-point deficit, charging to within five points before eventually dropping the game in the end.
Coach Johnedel Cardel has definitely done a good job whipping the Dyip to a fierce fighting unit.
Lacking in height and heft, the Dyip are competing on sheer heart as demonstrated by Perez, Rashawn McCarthy, Jackson Corpuz, Reden Celda, Russel Escoto, PJ Calvo, Keith Agovida and Eric Camson.
"Yun lang naman ang hinihingi namin sa kanila - give their best in each game," said Cardel.
Sponsored content:
The Dyip have also gained the nod of their rivals.
"It's a welcome relief especially against Columbian which has been playing well," said NLEX coach Yeng Guiao after escaping past Columbian.
"It's tough to put Columbian away. We led by as many as 31 only to win by 10 in the end. They come at you at any time. They don't stop at being relentless. They're gonna be a force to contend with in this tourney," Guiao added. (SB)
