On brink of elimination, Ginebra’s mettle gets tested anew

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Barangay Ginebra’s never-say-die mantra will be put to the test anew in the coming days.

After another loss to the TNT KaTropa on Tuesday, the Gin Kings are now on the brink of elimination facing a 2-0 hellhole in their best-of-five semifinals series.

But make no mistake, Ginebra is far from waving the white flag.

“Our backs are against the wall again. We’ll do it the hard way again,” said forward Japeth Aguilar following a 107-103 loss in Game 2. “So it’s up to us how we’ll be able to solve and beat TNT.”

“We’re still hoping and we’re looking forward to Game 3,” he added.

Import Justin Brownlee said the Gin Kings are upbeat heading into their do-or-die on Thursday.

“I believe in our coach and our team, we wouldn’t be here if we’re not confident. I believe in my guys to come out and just play our hearts out, and that’s what we’re going to look forward,” said Brownlee, who led Ginebra with 22 points.

Interestingly, the Gin Kings are the only team since 1993 that has overcome a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five duel and they did it during the 2010 Philippine Cup quarterfinals against Talk ‘N Text.