Beating the Beermen: A Tough Task for Ginebra

Ginebra versus San Miguel
(Photo by the PBA Media Bureau)


Like  it or not, beating the defending champions in a 7-game series is difficult but not impossible

The last time these two squads faced each other in the playoffs, it was during the quarterfinals of last season's Governors' Cup. That quarterfinal match-up featured a Grand Slam-seeking San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings who were aiming for a back-to-back Governors' Cup championship. That match-up was done in one game after Ginebra, holding a twice-to-beat edge, held off the Beermen who could do nothing against the seemingly unstoppable frontline line-up featuring Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar and, Justin Brownlee.

Now?

The Beermen and the Gin Kings are about to start another chapter of the SMB-Ginebra rivalry in the playoffs and this time around, no imports. No twice-to-beat advantage. Just a best-of-7 series. It's a race to 4 wins.


Question: Does Ginebra have a chance at taking down the Beermen?

There are two ways to answer that question:

  1. Yes. The Gin Kings beat the Beermen during the elimination phase of the Philippine Cup and they did it without Greg Slaughter and Joe Devance. One of the keys in that game was that the defense of Ginebra was able to contain the outburst of June Mar Fajardo, especially in the second half. Fajardo led all scorers with 33 points but faltered in the second half due to the defensive intensity that was shown by Ginebra defenders, primarily Raymond Aguilar who scored 16 points. LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar each had 23 points for the 100-96 victory over the league-leading Beermen. 
  2. Realistically speaking, Ginebra still has a chance at taking down the champs in a 7-game series provided that the Gin Kings mess up on both ends of the court. It's going to be a long series for Ginebra especially the mere fact that Greg Slaughter is likely to miss the series opener tonight. Joe Devance is not yet 100% back in his old form while Japeth Aguilar is said to be playing with an injury. The key for Ginebra in this particular series is the defensive adjustments that Coach Tim Cone will employ especially against the Kraken, June Mar Fajardo. 

Conclusion

One way or another, fans will be treated to another exciting semifinal series between two powerhouse teams in the PBA. It's June Mar Fajardo versus Greg Slaughter and/or Japeth Aguilar. LA Tenorio versus Alex Cabagnot. Chris Ross versus Scottie Thompson. Arwind Santos versus Marcio Lassiter. Frankly, both teams are perfectly matched. It all boils down to who will be the first one to lose consistency. 

Popular posts from this blog

LA Tenorio Excited for Next Generation Basketball League to Elevate Filipino High School Talent

Image
Philippine basketball icon LA Tenorio believes the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) will help today's high school players become the country's future superstars. Before becoming the PBA’s 'Iron Man,' an eight-time champion, a four-time Finals MVP, and a Gilas Pilipinas standout, Tenorio honed his skills with the San Beda Red Cubs under legendary coach Ato Badolato. As the NGBL’s Tournament Director, Tenorio wants current high school stars to have a platform to showcase their skills beyond the existing junior leagues. “We promise exposure for high school players. I came from San Beda’s high school program, and it was crucial for my development. Nowadays, most collegiate stars come from abroad,” said Tenorio. Tenorio won a championship with San Beda and became a top talent with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. His path to success is what the NGBL aims to offer the best under-19 stars today. “Many homegrown high school players lack opportunities due to insufficient exposure
Read more

Top Sports Executive Alfrancis Chua Launches New Initiative to Elevate Filipino High School Basketball Talent

Image
Top sports executive Alfrancis Chua has been a steadfast supporter of Filipino student-athletes, guiding many on their journey to professional ranks. Al Francis Chua NGBL As the Executive Committee Chairman of the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL), Chua previously helped Colegio de San Juan de Letran secure a three-peat in the NCAA and is now aiding his alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, in reclaiming their glory in the UAAP. Now, as the Sports Director of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Team Governor, and newly elected Vice Chairman of the PBA Board, Chua is extending his support even further by focusing on the top high school players in the country. “We want to expose them,” said Chua, who collaborates with NGBL Commissioner and PBA legend Ronnie Magsanoc, Tournament Director LA Tenorio of Ginebra, Program Director Bonnie Tan of NorthPort, and Operations Manager & PBA Chief Statistician Fidel Mangonon III. The NGBL, led by President Big
Read more

DIRECTORY: Basketball Courts For Rent in Manila

Image
Village Sports Club -  http://www.vsportsclub.com/ Address:  El Grande Avenue corner Tropical Avenue, Topman Village Las Piñas Metro Manila 1740 Philippines Time:  Tuesdays to Sundays 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Phone:  822-1000 Local:  232 / 233 Mobile:  0917-801-2094 or 0998-586-9321 Type:  Maple wood flooring (supplied by Robbins Sports Surfaces), Covered Rate:  Php 2,000 per hour Local:  822-1000 local 232/233 Rancho 3 Basketball Court Address:  3 Rancho Marikina Metro Manila 1811 Philippines Type:  Cement Rate:  Php  200 per hour Pleasant Hills Barangay San Manuel Streetball Court -  https://www.facebook.com/PleasantHillstreetball Address:  Phase 1B Pleasant Hills Subdv. San Jose del Monte, Bulacan San Jose del Monte City Central Luzon Philippines Type:  Concrete Rate:  Php  100 per hour  (evening rate) Philadelphia High School Multi Purpose Building Address:  Talayan, Talayan Road, Quezon City, NCR, Philippines Quezon
Read more

ArenaPlus Introduces Carlos Yulo and Eumir Marcial as Brand Ambassadors for the Paris Olympics

Image
ArenaPlus, the premier 24/7 sports betting app, proudly supports top gymnast Carlos Yulo and elite boxer Eumir Marcial in their quest for gold at the Paris Olympics. At a recent press conference, ArenaPlus announced Yulo and Marcial as their brand ambassadors. Known for making major sports events enjoyable, ArenaPlus aims to enhance the 2024 Paris Olympics experience through its “Ginto para sa Astig na Atleta” campaign. This initiative supports Filipino athletes in their Olympic journey while ensuring an entertaining experience for fans. The brand plans various events and activities, both online and offline, to build excitement for the Olympics. ArenaPlus also supports other Filipino athletes, including the national basketball team, GILAS Pilipinas. Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc. President Rafael Jasper Vicencio emphasized the company’s commitment to sports and entertainment, stating, “ArenaPlus not only entertains but also supports athletes like Carlos and Eumir.”
Read more

Top Rank Signs Co-Promotional Agreement with Teiken Promotions and M.T Boxing Gym for Pound-for-Pound Phenom Junto Nakatani

Image
  LAS VEGAS (July 24, 2024) — Teiken Promotions and M.T Boxing Gym have reached an agreement with Top Rank to co-promote Junto Nakatani, the Japanese pound-for-pound star, three-division champion, and current WBC bantamweight world champion. Nakatani is anticipated to return to the ring before the end of the year. The 26-year-old Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs), hailing from Sagamihara, Japan, defended his title last Saturday with a first-round stoppage against Vincent Astrolabio, enhancing his record to 7-0 in world title fights. The southpaw powerhouse, who trains in Los Angeles under Rudy Hernandez, is ranked No. 10 on the Ring Magazine pound-for-pound list. “Junto Nakatani is an exceptional, unique talent,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He is a force of nature and one of the sport’s most vicious punchers. The Junto Nakatani Era is just starting. He will be the pound-for-pound king one day, and I am thrilled that he’s decided to join the Top Rank stable.” Nakatani said, “Thank you to Bo
Read more

Joe Joyce vs. Derek Chisora Heavyweight Clash to Headline London Fight Night on July 27

Image
 July 27: Joe Joyce-Derek Chisora Heavyweight Battle Headlines London Fight Night LIVE & Exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ (July 3, 2024) — The heavyweight titan of boxing is eager to rejoin the world title scene but must first defeat a seasoned contender looking for one last major win. Former WBO Interim champion Joe Joyce will face off against two-time world title challenger Derek "War" Chisora in a thrilling all-British clash on Saturday, July 27, in a 12-round main event at The O2 in London. Promoted by Queensberry, Joyce-Chisora and additional fight action will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+ in the afternoon hours. Joyce (16-2, 15 KOs) captured a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and entered the paid ranks the following year. He defeated former world champions Bermane Stiverne and Joseph Parker and title challengers Carlos Takam and Bryant Jennings during his ascent up the rankings. The 38-year-old suffered his first pro setbacks in 2023 in conse
Read more

Facebook Timeline

Powcast Sports