Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Norman Black, Tim Cone all set for Meralco-Ginebra II


Coaches Tim Cone and Norman Black will face each other in the Finals for the fifth time in their careers. But this time, the stakes are higher, as they have become vital parts of a budding rivalry between the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Meralco Bolts.

“The two best teams are in the [2017 Governor’s Cup] Finals,” lauded Black.

Last year’s edition was a bit lopsided, with the Bolts on the shorter end, as they still lacked experience then. But with all the lessons they have acquired, plus the addition of key pieces, Black is confident they can now emerge triumphant.

“Last year it was a new experience for Meralco to be in the Finals. [But] we’ve had that experience already, so the next step is to win in the Finals,” pointed out Black, who has a 0-4 Finals record against Cone.

“That’s the goal this time around.”

However, the Barangay are hungrier than ever to repeat as champions. And that desire, according to Cone, is fueled by their loss to the San Miguel Beermen in the 2017 Philippine Cup — a series that only lasted for five games.

“We came up short in the All-Filipino versus SMB in the Finals, so hopefully we can use that experience as motivation heading into this one,” said Cone.

“After losing to SMB, we’re very hungry to go out and win this one.”

All eyes are now on the Orangemen and the Gin Kings, and on how the rematch will turn out. But nevertheless, the two multi-titled coaches are expecting a great battle of wits and schemes as they slug it out for the coveted crown.

#ReadMore  Topex brings in Oliver Bunyi as La Salle big man coach

“I expect this to be a defensive struggle for how many games it will go,” said Black. “A lot has been said between both teams.

“The most important thing is we come out and be very competitive, and come out and win.”

“Meralco is probably the most balanced team out there,” said Cone, on the other hand. “They have size, strength and quickness, so they can play the way they want to play. It will be on us to try and match up with them.

“It will be tough. It will be rough.”

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.




You May Also Like

Basketball

As Gilas Pilipinas braces for the grueling journey toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup, the potential return of 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto looms large...

Basketball

Ginebra found its touch from beyond the arc early and shot down Phoenix, 119-112, to post back-to-back for the first time in the PBA...

Basketball

Cliff Hodge insisted there was no ill intent in his hard foul on Zavier Lucero that sparked a heated altercation late in Meralco’s 117-92...

Basketball

Paul Lee went on a heater run in the fourth quarter to help Magnolia finish strong against Meralco, 117-92, and stretch their unbeaten run...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone knows that tournament draws — like lotteries — are unpredictable and completely out of anyone’s control. And on...

Basketball

Meralco can finally field all its stars for the Basketball Champions League Asia 2025 now that they’ve been cleared to play as locals by...

Basketball

Roger Pogoy came alive in the fourth quarter as TNT left Meralco a frustrated bunch, 101-84, to continue turning the corner in its PBA...

Basketball

There was no such thing as homecourt edge as Ginebra handed Converge an 85-66 beating to go above .500 in the PBA Season 49...

Advertisement