For Scottie Thompson, it’s about avoiding a precarious spot in the playoffs right now for the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
Ginebra ended up as the runners-up to San Miguel back in the 2017 Philippine Cup. However, it wasn’t a breeze to the Finals, as they had to overcome Alaska’s twice-to-beat edge in the quarters, and Star in the semis in seven games.
It may be a near-Cinderella run for the famed Gin Kings, but for Thompson, he doesn’t want that climb to happen once more this 2018. “Last [All-Filipino] conference, number seven kami. At ayaw na namin mangyari yun,” he wished.
Thompson said so after the Barangay shockingly lost to an undermanned Meralco crew, 82-84, Sunday night at the Philippine Arena, no thanks to a fourth quarter collapse and to Jason Ballesteros’ heroics.
With the loss, Ginebra dropped to an even 5-5 slate but stayed at the sixth spot of the standings — still a good place to be in. But for the three-year pro, things could’ve been much better had they won over the Orangemen.
“We really need this game. Ito na yung magaassure sa’min sa playoffs. Dahil sa nangyari, we need to work hard pa the next game,” said Thompson, who had 17 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.
“Target namin top six para best-of-three.”
That chance of being the top six team remains alive, and they will have a chance to do so against a dangerous Rain or Shine squad on March 2.
“Makakapagpahinga pa kami,” said the Perpetual Altas product, who’s averaging 11.3 points, 10.6 caroms, and 6.0 dimes. “Siguro advantage at disadvantage yung mahaba yung gap sa game namin, baka mawala kami sa rhythm.
“Pero ang advantage namin, makakapagpahinga kami at makakapag-prepare kami.”
