Gin Kings in key encounter with Bolts Friday

Barangay Ginebra tries to remain in the race for a top-two finish when the Gin Kings battle the slumping Meralco Bolts today in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Gametime is 7 p.m. with the Kings still smarting from a 77-79 loss to San Miguel Beer last Sunday, a letdown which Ginebra coach Jeffrey Cariaso said was a result of their being dumped in a 15-point hole before rallying.

“That’s the main focus for us right now—not to trail big early,” Cariaso said.

Another loss could virtually take the Kings out of the running for an outright Final Four slot reserved for the top two finishers.

Idle Alaska and San Miguel Beer are tied for the lead at 6-1, and a loss would drop the Kings, who are at 5-2 like Rain or Shine, close to two games behind going into the final two weeks of the eliminations.

Meralco has lost its last two games badly. The Bolts will be coming off a 107-79 defeat to the Elasto Painters which Meralco coach Norman Black blamed on the inconsistent play of his wards.

“We have to come out and give a consistent effort for 48 minutes with dedication on the defensive end of the floor,” Black said. “As I told the team, our effort against Rain or Shine was simply not acceptable.”

NLEX tries to snap out of a three-game losing spell earlier when the Road Warriors slug it out with winless expansion squad Blackwater in the 4:15 p.m. contest.

Blackwater has lost its first seven games but has taken some of the formidable teams to the limit. This fighting spirit should be a cause of concern for NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez.