Pumaren, GlobalPort brace for top seed Ginebra

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

After surviving Alaska in a do-or-die for the last playoff slot in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, GlobalPort now finds itself in an unenviable position as it braces for top-seed Ginebra in the quarterfinals.

The Gin Kings have won their last four games going into the playoffs, while the Batang Pier have been on a resurgence winning three of their last four outings.

“I think Ginebra is really peaking right. Their team has been there for the longest time, while us, we’re still in the process of trying to feel each other,” said GlobalPort head coach Franz Pumaren.

“Starting in our San Miguel game, my mindset is we need three games to go to the next level. We got one against Alaska now, but we still need to wins against a tough Ginebra team,” he said.

The Batang Pier barely escaped the Aces, 107-106, and they will have to survive a couple more knockout games against the Gin Kings to make the semifinals.

“Hopefully, we can match up. We got a one day preparation. Last Friday, we just played a hard game against San Miguel. Hopefully, we can pull it through. It’s hard playing the best team, but it’s nice playing against Tim Cone. We will learn a lot.”