GINEBRA Coach Tim Cone braces for a fast-paced game as the Gin Kings try to salvage a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs Wednesday in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Tied at third on similar 8-3 win-loss records, the Gin Kings and the FiberXers meet at 5:45 p.m.
Ginebra still has a shot of the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals depending on the result of Magnolia’s last game against Rain or Shine.
“We’re still fighting for that top two spot, so it’s very important for us to stay alive with a win,” Cone told BusinessMirror on Tuesday.
Magnolia is running second with a 9-2 record.
Cone said they expect Converge import Quincy Miller to play in full throttle after sitting out the NorthPort game because of disciplinary action.
Miller has been the main reason why the FiberXers are on a five-game streak before the Batang Pier stopped them, 112-97, last Saturday.
Miller missed team practice the day before the game and was penalized.
“Miller is a tremendous import who has found a way to be a good fit for Converge,” Cone said. “We will have our hands full trying to match up to him, and then also finding a way to stay with the frenetic pace they play at.”
Miller’s 30.7 points, 16.4 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in 10 games offers a strong matchup with Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee’s 28.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists average in 11 games.
Meralco and NLEX collide for survival at 3 p.m.