The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel were far from their usual selves on Monday.
The Gin Kings failed to finish off rivals Magnolia Hotshots in Game Two of their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal affair Monday evening, as they suffered a crushing 77-106 beatdown.
And the loss was down to the way they took care of the basketball.
Thanks to the Hotshots’ stinging defense, the crowd darlings committed a whopping total of 20 turnovers, which Magnolia converted to 26 points, including 18 off fastbreaks.
Japeth Aguilar had five of those errors, while five other Gin Kings had at least two turnovers – including Greg Slaughter.
“You know, that first game we only had three in the first half, and I think that’s what let us get it off to a big lead. But you know, this game [was obviously different],” rued Slaughter.
“That just gives them the fast break. And it’s hard for us, for our team to defend turnovers.“
But beyond taking care of the ball, the 7-foot slotman also noted the need to hit more shots from outside. Ginebra have shot just a combined 8-of-46 from deep in these two games.
“I think we just gotta get more of our teammates involved, you know. Try to set some people up, get some outside shots going so we can open up the inside.”
Ginebra have just two days to re-figure things out, as they now have their backs against the wall.
The do-or-die Game Three is on Wednesday.
