Barangay Ginebra were able to force their game on the San Miguel Beermen. Still, it wasn’t enough.
The Philippine Cup has been a roller-coaster ride for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. The Gin Kings struggled to display familiarity and consistency, going 3-4 with four games remaining in their calendar.
Sunday evening, they were able to impose their style of play against the league-leading San Miguel Beermen. However, it still wasn’t enough, as the two-time defending Philippine Cup champions were able to hold on, 72-70.
Ginebra made a brave stand as San Miguel struggled from the field, shooting 32 percent — 10 percent lower than their norms. Moreover, San Miguel’s 72-point output was their season-low — 13.6 points below their par.
According to sophomore Scottie Thompson, head coach Tim Cone commented that the game just wasn’t for them to take.
“Sabi nga ni Coach Tim, talagang ‘di para sa amin. ‘Yung game na ito, controlled namin kasi nga, low-scoring. Actually, sabi niya sa amin na kung ganito lang lagi ang lalaruin namin, siguro darating din ang mga panalo.
“Okay naman siya. Siguro kailangan lang namin yung finish sa bandang huli,” relayed Thompson, who finished the game with six points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
However, a lapse by the league’s stingiest defense in the fourth quarter contributed highly to the loss. After tying the game at 58-all, the Gin Kings let their guards down, allowing San Miguel to go on an 11-2 run due to a bevy of miscommunication both on the block and on offense.
“Nag-collapse din ‘yung defense namin tapos bumalik. Siguro kailangan namin yung consistency sa defense.
“Ang offense naman namin, may greenlight naman kami. So yung defense, kailangan maging consistent,” the 23-year-old stressed.
Thompson attributed the lack of consistency the team has been experiencing to them still not adjusting to their new roles.
“Siguro, sa mga personal na sa amin, siguro maraming adjustments kasi unang-una, dati si Justin [Brownlee] nandoon para sa amin. Ngayon talagang wala na si Justin so kailangan namin mag-take over. Siguro ‘yun ‘yung medyo magulo sa team ngayon, ‘yung role namin sa isa’t isa,” he shared.
With no reinforcements this conference and big man Greg Slaughter still on the sidelines, the product of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA is hoping that this loss makes them understand the importance of communication — especially with no anchor to save them.
“Sana darating din na magiging okay lahat,” the Davaoeno hopes.
