Now on brink of exit, Ginebra looking for more from supporting cast
Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
It’s now time for Ginebra to put up or shut up.
Forced to a corner after San Miguel’s 102-81 Game 4 victory on Thursday, the Gin Kings know there’s no more room for error come Saturday for Game 5.
“We cannot afford to lose our focus next game because it’s a do-or-die for us,” said LA Tenorio. “I hope we can bring our never say die spirit for the next three games, but the next game is what we need to think first.”
The veteran guard cited Ginebra’s inability to keep up with the mighty Beermen on both ends, allowing the opposition to shoot a sky-high 51-percent while also losing the battle of the boards, 39-48.
It didn’t help that the Gin Kings’ 18 turnovers easily translated to 20 points off turnovers and 16 fastbreak points for San Miguel.
“We weren’t able to adjust to them defensively and offensively. They adjusted in the second quarter and we weren’t able to keep up. We hesitated in everything we do and we looked like we’re not sure of what we’re doing,” he remarked.
Tenorio looked at this Game 4 defeat as a reality check for Ginebra as it was reminded of how tough it is to beat the three-time defending champs.
“They’re the best team in the PBA and they showed it tonight. We have to give credit to the adjustments that San Miguel did,” he said.
.@barangayginebra’s @LA_Tenorio rued the team’s failure to adjust numerous times in Game 4. #PBA2018 pic.twitter.com/ujnBIYH2FV
— Randolph B. Leongson (@RLeongsonINQ) March 15, 2018
But 33-year-old playmaker also knows this should serve as a challenge for the Gin Kings to get their act together and try perform like the way they did in Game 3.
“For us, what we need is really the team contribution. I’m not talking about offense only but defensively also. Definitely, we’re not going to win if there’s only one or two players that will play,” he said as Tenorio, who finished with 20 points, and Japeth Aguilar, who led with 31 markers and 13 rebounds, were the only bright spots in the tussle.
“Our team is built in a way that we need equal contributions every single game, just like last game. It’s clear that this series is not going to be easy, but we’ll take it one game at a time.”
