DAVAO City's basketball aficionados predict that Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings will tie their “Manila Clasico” Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals series to 2-2 in Game 4 set at 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra foiled a Star three-game win streak by beating the latter, 73-62, in Game 3 held at the Mall of Asia Arena Monday evening.
Sports Development Division-City Mayor's Office staff Pocholo Elegino, who is also coach of the Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights, said the Gin Kings will be riding their momentum going to Game 4.
“Coach Tim (Cone) is a veteran coach and a master in strategy and adjustments. It’s already a chess game that every time there's a long series, coach Tim will always be able to adjust,” Elegino said, hoping that Ginebra will capitalize on its drive and kick-out plays as well as their outside shooting.
He added, “They need to pound the ball inside more than taking one pass and shoot.”
Holy Cross of Davao College head coach Isaias Gravador, for his part, said the Ginebra will equalize tonight based on the way they played in Game 3.
“Their defense is back. If they will play with the same intensity in Game 4, chances are, they will win,” Gravador said.
Veteran coach Henry Asilum, who is currently mentoring the Rizal Memorial Colleges Bulldogs, said the momentum shifted to Ginebra following Monday's victory.
Asilum cited Cone as a strategist, saying, “Magaling si Cone gumawa ng plays pag Game 4 pataas (Cone is good at making plays in Game 4 onwards).”
Gaisano Grand Cup commissioner Rael Diaz, meanwhile, said Cone knows the opponent's system of play considering that he coached the team for a long time.