BARANGAY Ginebra tries end its up-and-down ride, hoping to pick up from where it left off the last time and finally start a run in the PBA Governors' Cup versus Phoenix Super LPG at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Friday.
The Gin Kings eye a first back-to-back wins and a 3-2 closing mark in the first round of the eliminations as they tangle with the Fuel Masters in their 7:30 p.m. clash.
But coach Tim Cone and his troops are taking Phoenix with a lot of caution, especially with the Fuel Masters having gotten the opportunity to practice with new import Brandone Francis.
Though practically straight from the airport, Francis erupted for a game-high 45 points in his PBA debut. It wasn't enough though to save Phoenix from a 111-123 beating from the hands of Blackwater.
Coach Mike Jarin's troops are now hard-pressed to start winning after going 0-2 with original import Jay McKinnis then blowing another game where import replacement Le'Bryan Nash was declared ineligible for exceeding the height ceiling.
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Cone hopes they can match the determination, resolve and energy to be brought in by Francis and his teammates in an effort to finally break into the win-column.
On Tuesday coming from an upset by the Blackwater Bossing, the Kings played with tremendous will and purpose, and routed the NLEX Road Warriors, 119-91.
"I thought we played a really good tempo. The other guys outside Justin Brownlee played aggressively and looked for their shot, and they took some pressure off Justin," said Cone.
The Kings were a determined bunch that they didn't leave anything to chance.
And they didn't need much from Brownlee.
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Stephen Holt played his best game in a Ginebra jersey thus far, coming through with 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists to lead the stellar job by the locals.
"He set the tempo and got everyone going," said Cone of their trade recruit from Terrafirma.
At the half, Holt, Maverick Ahanmisi, Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos had all hit double-digit outputs. Ahanmisi finished with 20, Thompson and Abarrientos 19 each, and Aguilar 13.
Holt also did a wonderful job in defending very well against the NLEX import. With Henry clipped, the Road Warriors were held below 100 points for the first time this conference.
Brownlee didn't need to exert much effort in just 38 minutes of action, putting in 13 markers, seven rebounds and nine assists.(SB)
