BARANGAY Ginebra stands in the way of NorthPort’s quest for a Cinderella run and a first finals appearance in the PBA for the finals.
Despite their championship experience, Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone is expecting a tough semifinal outing against a young Batang Pier squad out to go on a deep playoff run in the 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup.
“NorthPort beat us in the eliminations,” Cone said. “They just about beat everybody in the eliminations. We weren’t the only one. They’ve been playing well.”
Ginebra lost to NorthPort, 119-116, in their previous game last January 8, the victory described by Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan as a ‘statement’ to the league.
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After the defeat, Cone said NorthPort is ‘for real’ and his statement stands to this day with Arvin Tolentino, Joshua Munzon, and Kadeem Jack forming the Batang Pier triumvirate.
“I said it last time we played them. Arvin, obviously, is playing at an MVP level and leading the MVP. And Munzon is also playing at an MVP level. Those two guys are really carrying the load over there. And they’re getting contributions from everybody,” said Cone.
“And Jack just seems to be the perfect complement for them. He fills out the big man role that they need," he added. “It’s going to be tough."
NorthPort finished the eliminations with a 9-3 win-loss record, taking the top seed in the playoffs. The Batang Pier defeated eighth-seed Magnolia, 113-110, last Thursday, being the first team to advance to the semifinals.
Barangay Ginebra was the last team that earned a ticket to the semifinals, winning a sudden death clash over Meralco, 94-87, last Sunday.
Justin Brownlee also sees a difficult outing against NorthPort with the way they are playing.
“They’ve been like beating everybody with almost everybody. Arvin, he’s been playing great. I’m glad to see him playing great at NorthPort. They’ve got a lot of guys over there, score, and do a variety of things,” said Brownlee.
The semifinals will come right after Gilas Pilipinas goes up against New Zealand on February 23. Game One will be on February 26.
Cone said they will also be careful with Brownlee not just for Gilas Pilipinas’ two games in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, but also beyond.
“It’s going to be tough, especially he (Brownee) is going to Doha and he is going to be playing all those games in between. That will be a way to keep him sharp but we’ve got to make sure that we don’t overuse him,” said Cone.
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