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Tiebreaker Times

Koy Banal credits Barako for defensive effort in upset of Ginebra


Barako Bull head coach Koy Banal singled out defense as the main factor which allowed the Energy to overcome a 21-point deficit and shock Barangay Ginebra, 82-79 Saturday.

“We did a good job on the defensive end. We reminded the guys it will all start from the defensive end. We were dead last during last season and it was the challenge to do well on the defensive end,” Banal downplayed.

The Energy ranked last in defensive rating in the 2014-15 Philippine Cup, allowing 103.8 points per 100 possessions, and were third last in net rating at -6.4.

Against Ginebra, the Energy allowed only 88.9 points per 100 possessions, and forced their opponents to commit 21 turnovers which led to 13 more points.

Banal added his reminder prior to the game was to step up defensively, knowing they will be able to generate more baskets from their defense.

“It was a reminder to the players our offense will start with our good defense and that was what happened to this game,” he said.

PBA-Intal-Ginebra Koy Banal credits Barako for defensive effort in upset of Ginebra  - philippine sports newsBanal’s squad trailed by 21 at one point, and he says it may have had something to do with becoming too excited to play against Ginebra.

“Siguro all the teams are pumped up when they face the most popular team in the league. It is credit to them because they prepared themselves emotionally,” he shared.

“Siguro excited sila masyado kaya we fell by 20 points. But when we got our bearings back, we were able to come back in the game and make it close at the end of the first half.”

Banal also added Barako was not necessarily making a statement, and stuck to their game plan to improve to 1-1.

“If you are so eager to prove something, yun pa yung magbibigay ng pagiging too emotional or become too tight. Hindi yun ang motivation o sinasabi ko sa team,” he said.

“We treated this game like we are going to face whatever team. Same thing, same game plan, same game face, same emotional preparation.”

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