SMART Clark Giga City. - If there's one thing coach Tim Cone is keeping close tabs on is his Barangay Ginebra team's companions at the upper half of the PBA Philippine Cup standings.
One particular team Cone's sights are focused on right now is TNT, which his Kings meet Friday for more than just solo leadership at the Smart 5G-powered AUF Sports Arena in Angeles City.
Cone and his Ginebra squad are looking for a third straight win and a 7-2 record that would push them to the tourney's loftiest spot and closer to a coveted top four spot, which carries with it a twice-to-beat advantage in the eight-team quarterfinals.
"Right now we're just really looking at the top six (teams)... and our head to head," said Cone. "If we can beat them then that gives us a good chance for the top four."
Actually, the Kings have already beaten the likes of Phoenix Super LPG, Meralco and Alaska, which all still have a shot at a top four. But the Kings also lost to Rain or Shine and still have to face San Miguel Beer on Sunday.
Sponsored content:
That explains why hurdling the Tropang Giga is most vital for Ginebra. Game time is at 6:45 p.m.
"Right now it's just a head-to-head game with TNT," said Cone.
No doubt, TNT has the same basic idea.
The Tropang Giga have already beaten Alaska, SMB and Phoenix and would be winding up the 11-game eliminations against Meralco on Saturday and Rain or Shine on Tuesday.
For sure, TNT has additional motivation in wanting to bounce back in a big way from a 92-102 defeat at the hands of Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manok last Wednesday, just before Ginebra cruised to a 112-100 win over NorthPort later that evening to join the Tropa as early entries to the quarterfinals.
Sponsored content:
Momentum, however, is on Ginebra's side after hurdling part of its task against the Batang Pier.
"We're not really worried about the top seed, we're worried about the top four," said Cone after the NorthPort game. "Tonight's game was really, really crucial for that top four spot."
Cone even gave an inkling of what to expect in the duel between his team that opts for a deliberate style against TNT's preferred run-and-gun game.
"It's going to be a real contrast in styles when we play them," offered Cone. "One is not necessarily better than the other. It's really going to come down to who will execute." (NC)
