FILE PHOTO–Ginebra coach Tim Cone. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone was hardly in the mood for a chat shortly after the crowd darling’s 91-73 loss to Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night.
“Embarrassing—that’s all I’ve got to say,” the seasoned mentor told reporters on his way out of Smart Araneta Coliseum, still clearly irked over the lopsided defeat that gave the Gin Kings their first stain in the centerpiece showcase.
“We’re just absolutely embarrassed from moment one to moment 10,” he went on. “I don’t have any answers to any questions. I don’t know what the hell happened.”
READ: PBA: All-around effort helps Meralco crush Ginebra
Barangay Ginebra trailed by as many as 31 points in the beatdown.
Sure, cornerstone and former league Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson missed the game anew due to a problematic back, but there was no saving the Gin Kings from their 19 errors.
Those turnovers, which were over thrice as many as Meralco’s total, stacked upon a lackluster outing from the remainder of the lineup, which still featured a bevy of stars like Maverick Ahanmisi, who finished with just 14 points, and Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger, who both finished with 13.
READ: PBA: As Ginebra shifts to new offense gear, Tim Cone hopes defense remains the same
The loss saw Ginebra turn in its lowest score this PBA season after a 82-77 loss to Phoenix last December during the Commissioner’s Cup.
Cone, who has been coaching in the pro league for more than half of his life, could only hope his charges swiftly move on from its mortifying performance.
“It’s an embarrassing night. We just hope this doesn’t define us,” he said.
Ginebra takes on Magnolia next on Mar. 31.