Ginebra coach Tim Cone. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—After Ginebra hiked its winning streak to four after defeating top team Converge, Tim Cone is setting its sights on getting a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors’ Cup tournament playoffs.
After the Gin Kings’ 120-101 win over Converge, Cone was quick to acknowledge the importance of the team’s seventh conference win as it pulled them closer to a pivotal advantage for the quarterfinals.
“We knew this would be a big game in terms of taking us over the hump and getting to the top four,” the veteran coach said.
“I think, officially, we still need to get one of our last two to get to the top four.”
In order to clinch a spot in the upper four and avoid a twice-to-beat-disadvantage, the Gin Kings would have to surpass their last two opponents. As it stands, only TNT is assured of the advantage with only one loss after nine games (8-1).
Cone the Gin Kings’ momentum started when they were mauled by Magnolia with a 30-point blowout last month.
“After we got blown away by Magnolia, we weren’t sure we’d be at this point but the guys responded well and just battled,” Cone said.
“[There’s a] great character so far in this team. I think it’s a championship character they got from the last conference and they’re trying to bring it in this conference,” he added.
In their last two games of the elimination round, the Gin Kings take Terrafirma before going on an All-Star break, then ending the round against Tropang Giga in a marquee matchup.