Thompson, Kings quickly set sights on ROS after crucial loss to Bolts

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BOCAUE — Scottie Thompson would have wanted Ginebra to have formalized its entry to the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals with a victory over Meralco at the cavernous Philippine Arena on Sunday.

Instead, the Bolts claimed the rematch of last year’s finals, 84-82, to stay alive in the playoff race and complicate matters for the Gin Kings.

“We really needed this game. This would have assured us in the playoffs, but because of what happened, we need to work harder in our next game,” he said in Filipino.

The do-it-all guard gave his all as always, and his efforts were mirrored in the stat sheets with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.

Despite his gaudy numbers, Thompson couldn’t get his mind off of his missed floater which would have swung the lead back to the crowd favorites in the final 20 seconds of the game.

Still, the Digos City native would rather keep his eye on the positives with Ginebra, at 5-5, has the luxury of rest before going plunging back into action Rain or Shine for its final assignment on March 2.

“It could be a disadvantage that we may be out of our rhythm because of the long gap, but we’re looking at it as our chance to rest and prepare well for Rain or Shine,” he said.

Thompson also isn’t putting too much on the Gin Kings’ failure to live up to everyone’s expectations as one of this conference’s top contenders.

“Everyone has their opinion on the teams. They might think that we’re contenders, but for us, every team can contend. We don’t think that we’re higher than them. All we want is to work hard and make it to the quarterfinals,” he said.

“Again, we have our eyes set on Rain or Shine. Our target is to make it to the top six so that we’ll be in a best-of-three series.”