BARANGAY Ginebra goes for the solo lead even as Meralco resumes play in Friday’s PBA Governors’ Cup action at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings look to regain first place with a match-up against NLEX at 7 p.m., while the Bolts battle Blackwater at 4:30 p.m.
In a tie for the top spot with a 5-1 record, Ginebra is eyeing to pull away from Magnolia in its match-up against NLEX. The Kings are coming off a 101-99 win over Phoenix last Saturday in Cagayan de Oro City.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone is wary about NLEX, which is in the middle of the pack with a 4-2 win-loss slate. The Road Warriors beat Blackwater, 124-106, behind the 24-point effort of Larry Fonacier.
“NLEX is coming off a big win. Larry had 24 points in the last game. It’s real tough. Again, we are shorthanded. We will try to sneak out as many wins as we can,” said Cone.
Japeth Aguilar has practiced with the team following a pulled muscle during the Fiba World Cup Asian qualifiers, and could possibly suit up for the match against the Road Warriors.
Meanwhile, the Bolts return to play after representing the Philippines in the Fiba Asia Champions Cup in Nonthaburi, Thailand where the team placed fourth.
They resume their campaign after losing three straight games to fall to a 1-3 card. Meralco bowed to Phoenix, 96-86, last September 19.
Blackwater is also coming off a defeat over NLEX, but the Elite have been impressive so far this conference after accumulating a 4-1 record entering the match and in a tie with Alaska for third place.
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