Veteran sniper Jeff Chan definitely made his presence felt for Barangay Ginebra in Game Two of its 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal clash versus NorthPort Batang Pier, Monday evening.
After shooting just 2-of-7 from the field in Game One, where the Gin Kings suffered a 34-point defeat, Chan shot 50-percent this time and finished with 12 points — his best output so far these playoffs.
Chan was among the six players who finished in double figures in the 113-88 victory that tied the series at 1-1.
But as solid as he and the Barangay were on offense — they shot 52-percent from the field and dished out a total of 27 assists — Chan said that defense did wonders in the conquest.
That was best exemplified by how they limited Michael Qualls. Following a 38-point, 15-rebound outing in Game One, the American cager only scored 20 on a dismal 8-of-26 shooting.
“Nag-focus lang kami sa defense. Na-blow out kami last game. So parang ‘yung defense namin, nawala doon. Ngayon, talagang detalyado ang defense namin.”
The first two matches of the best-of-five clash both ended in blowout fashion. Asked if this will be a trend in the coming games, the 11-year league veteran said that it will be different.
“Every game different ‘yan.
“Sila last game, lahat ng bato nila pumapasok. Kami naman ngayon. But I don’t think every game, tambakan. We expect na mahirap pa rin,” Chan said.
Momentum is now on Ginebra’s side following the win, so Chan hopes they could sustain it come Game Three.
“Sana madala namin going to Game Three. ‘Yung momentum nasa amin na,” he said.
“Pero walang advantage. Na-tie lang namin ‘yung series. 0-0. First game ng best-of-three very important.”
