NLEX coach Yeng Guiao expects a difficult semifinal against Barangay Ginebra, saying the popular ballclub is starting to show better chemistry as it heads deeper into the PBA 46th Season Governors’ Cup playoffs.
After Ginebra's up-and-down campaign in the eliminations, Guiao felt Ginebra has turned the corner behind Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson starting in the Final 8 playoffs against TNT.
Guiao expects to meet TNT
Game One of the best-of-five series is set on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“From one hard series to another series that is probably more difficult,” said Guiao after the Road Warriors put away Alaska, 96-80, on Sunday night.
Guiao admitted he expected TNT, and not Ginebra, to enter the semifinals because the former had twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
“We expected Talk ‘N Text if ever makalusot kami dito [against Alaska]. But now that it’s Ginebra, we haven’t really thought of Ginebra but we played them the first time and we played them well.”
Guiao was referring to NLEX’s 115-103 win over Ginebra last March 4 to cap off the eliminations. But that seemed a long while ago as the Gin Kings have not lost since that game against the Road Warriors.
Sparking Ginebra during that period were Brownlee, who is back to his usual offensive onslaught, and Thompson, pouring in near triple-double numbers during the last three matches.
“Problema talaga si Scottie doon. Unang laro pa lang ng Talk ‘N Text, siya na ang key player. We will still have to find the proper match-ups and it’s not only Scottie but the resident best import nila, si Justin Brownlee, is a big factor,” said Guiao.
Adding to Guiao's problems are Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger, who are starting to complement each other this conference.
“Plus I think, they are gaining chemistry with Japeth and Christian. Gumaganda na ang chemistry nila. They are learning how to play together. It becomes a big problem for any team that plays them,” said Guiao.
We are now on Quento! Download the app to enjoy more articles and videos from SPIN.ph and other Summit Media websites.
