BARANGAY Ginebra San Miguel and Blackwater clash in battle of unbeaten leaders in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Action fires off at 7 p.m. with the Elite challenging the reigning titlist but undermanned Gin Kings. Both teams are 3-0 won-lost in the conference.
Winless Columbian Dyip (0-5), meanwhile, goes for an upset against San Miguel Beer (1-1) in the second game at 4:30 p.m.
Enjoying its best start since joining the league in 2014, Blackwater will bank on its renewed confidence under Head Coach Bong Ramos.
The team came from 16 points down in the first quarter to topple NorthPort, 113-111, two nights ago.
“What’s good here heading into the game against Ginebra is we’re in a situation [of character building]. It will be another test of character and we need it,” Ramos said.
Ramos took over Leo Isaac last conference and has since put composure into the Elite system.
“The momentum is with us going there against Ginebra. We’ll try our best. Maybe we can salvage a win, we’ll see what my players can bring against Ginebra,” Ramos added.
The Gin Kings will be without Jervy Cruz (bone spur), Joe Devance (knee) and Sol Mercado (knee). But the biggest blow is Greg Slaughter, who will be out until October because of a left ankle injury he sustained last month.
Down four men, Cone asked the rest of his wards to step up.
“We need to be better. We’re doing what we can to survive and win games,” Cone said.