As any coach would tell you, he would rather have his team ahead comfortably than play catch up.
That’s why teams like San Miguel and Star in the ongoing Philippine Cup would rather roll over their opponents quickly to avoid bad breaks and long scoreless spells in a tight contest.
Coming from behind is not the most convenient way to win games but two teams pitted against each other in the current playoffs have it in their DNA that they’re never out of a game as long as there’s time on the clock.
Down by 17 points against the Alaska Aces last Sunday, Barangay Ginebra began attacking the basket and hitting their three point shots in the third quarter. Sol Mercado was the prime engineer with booming treys and courageous slashes to the basket. Ginebra went on to win 85-81 and buck Alaska’s twice-to-beat edge for finishing second in the classification phase.
Yes, the Ginebra faithful, bred in the Robert Jaworski era and nurtured during the younger days of Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, help in crafting these comebacks. Rallies seem easier when your every basket or steal ignites euphoria in the stands.
But Alaska is a team that has displayed similar qualities in the current tournament and through the years. Its wicked press anchored on youthful scramblers creates their own versions of rallies.
For example, Alaska’s game against Meralco saw the Bolts create a seven-point lead that looked safe going into the end game. But the Aces clawed back, applied the press and turned the tables on the Bolts to squeeze out a tough 81-79 win.
Staging rallies don’t just happen. It begins with a resolve to play better and not just tougher defense. Then, there has to be a team commitment to share the ball and not just have individuals carry the rally.
And lastly, the three-point shot has to be hit but it can only be done so in rhythm and with clear looks at the basket.
On Tuesday, Alaska and Ginebra play one final duel to see who advances to the next round. Another rally by either team would be exciting but the Aces or the Barangay would rather be ahead safely in an all-important do or die affair.