PBA: Ginebra, Blackwater raring for upcoming rematch

Blackwater import George King challenges the defense of Ginebra import Justin Brownlee in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone said Blackwater’s stunning win over the Gin Kings last August 30 wasn’t just a stroke of luck.

After all, the Bossing went on to clobber their next two opponents–Phoenix and NLEX–following their 95-88 victory over Ginebra.

“It wasn’t a fluke. I remember everybody saying it was a fluke when they first beat us but now they’ve beaten everybody else they played so you can see they beat us sound, they outplayed and outhustled us,” said Cone after a 110-101 win over the Fuel Masters on Friday.

“We’ll have to put a better game together to have a chance against them this time around and George King is a great player. He really is.”

READ: PBA: George King hopes Blackwater’s rise leads to more fans

The last time Blackwater and Ginebra faced off, Bossing import George King had a PBA debut to remember after lighting up the Gin Kings with 33 points and 19 rebounds.

Blackwater rookie Sedrick Barefield also shone with 13 points, including the game-clinching 4-point shot.

“Obviously, it’s a big game for the both of us, opening up the second round for Blackwater and us. They’ve won three games in a row and us, two in a row so the storylines are very good heading into this game,” Cone said.

“It’s a rivalry with anybody. No easy games.”

Like Cone, King, who is coming off a 39-point effort in a 110-99 drubbing of NLEX, also can’t wait for Tuesday’s rematch.

“With them, playing them once, we already have a little familiarity with them but I think they’ll come out with a little bit more focus,” said King, who has yet to lose in his first three games in the PBA.

“I look forward to competing against them, the matchups and stuff like that. We’ll be ready.”