"Joe got it going" Tim Cone said on containing Fajardo in game 1

Before Ginebra entered the semi final phase against the Championship caliber SMB, they had one concern, that's how will they be able to contain Junmar Fajardo since they don't have Greg Slaughter to match him up.

But in their 2nd meeting this conference, Ginebra found a way to make it hard for Fajardo in conquering the paint and diverted the SMB's offensive focal point. "We felt we dont deserve to be on the same floor during the first half, we got frustrated."  Tim Cone said after trailing with as much as 13 points through out the first half of Semifinals game 1.


"We haven't been here in this situation in a while we dont know how hard we need to play in a game like this."   Cone states that they lack of experience especially with him being in the semi-final round with Ginebra gives them a hard time on identifying the level of performance they need to overcome an experienced team like San Miguel Beermen in terms of playoffs appearances and championships.


"Our guys came out and played raised their level of performance, though we had lost our confidence during the first half ,they kept battling and got us the momentum." Cone said.

"This doesnt win the series not big of a deal game two is the big deal."
"SMB's 5 is so solid its better than an all star team."

Emphasizing how hard it is to match the level of performance of SMB and their players.

"Joe got it going for us ,hit a couple of shots ran the floor well. Junmar doesn't have too many weaknesses but defending a guy like Joe makes it hard for him to chase down the floor."

"Joe played a crucial part in 4th quarter he did a good job in making Fajardo chase them, he stepped out made a few shots the real key was joe in those situations he's been to the grandslam he know how to play this game , I thought he played well from start to finish." Cone Said.