For Barangay Ginebra’s veteran forward Joe Devance, it is expected that wide disparities in free throws will happen, especially if one team’s aggressiveness on defense is levels higher than the opposition.
This comes after the Gin Kings were rewarded with 43 foul shots compared to the TNT Katropa’s 14 in their 106-103 victory in Game Three of their semifinal series Friday night, giving them a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five clash.
“I played against TNT a few series now and they kinda say the same thing,” said Devance after the match at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“I think if they’re gonna be so aggressive on defense, they have to expect that, you know.”
In line with the free throw difference is obviously the wide gap in fouls — the Katropa were whistled 35 times, while the Barangay only had 24. But the 10-year pro does not want to comment on the calls that had happened.
“Not too many know this, but coach Tim actually gets mad if we foul just a foul, you know,” said the 35-year-old. “We practice not to foul so whatever happens, happens, if the refs are gonna call it or not gonna call it.
“It’s just the part of the game. I’m not really worried about fouls, you know, im just worried about winning the game. If they wanna complain about that, that’s fine with me,” added Devance, who is averaging 14.33 points, 6.67 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.33 blocks in the series.
“We just out here to get the win. We are not focused on that.”
Still, Devance gave credit to TNT for giving Ginebra a run for their money in a game that went down the line.
“They came out there and jumped on our butt,” said Devance, who topped Ginebra with 20 points. “I’m gonna expect the same the next game. So we just gotta come out there and be prepared, be fired up like in Game One and today.”
And with the way Game Three unfurled, Devance is expecting a war to take place come Game Four this Sunday, October 8, 6:30 PM also at the Big Dome, as the Gin Kings aim to close out the series and barge into the title match.
“It’s gonna be the same, it’s gonna be a war,” declared Devance. “I think were ready. I think well be more prepared than we were for Game Two.
“Winning this game means nothing if we can’t get the third game.”
