BARANGAY Ginebra’s three-game winning run is certainly a huge confidence-booster, especially for a team that struggled for months looking for the right chemistry. After dropping two of its first three matches, Barangay Ginebra has racked up consecutive wins against Barako Bull, B-MEG Derby Ace and Rain or Shine.
In its three-game rampage, the Gin Kings appeared to have finally lived up to their potential as a title contender, as they averaged a margin of 15.7 points per win.
In their last four outings, including their one-point setback against San Miguel Beer prior to the streak, the crowd darlings showed they can dominate a game as they led by 20 points or more.
Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico is happy to observe that his team is finally blending into a cohesive unit, something that was lacking in the last conference.
‘’We hope na magtuluy-tuloy ‘yung magandang team chemistry namin, kasi we had trouble with our chemistry last conference, but now I think we’re slowly getting there. These past few games are a good sign,’’ said Uichico.
Ginebra’s record stands at 4-2 for third place, but many believe that if not for some misfortunes down the stretch, the Kings would’ve been undefeated since they lost to Meralco and San Miguel by close margins.
‘’Nagkamali kami kaya natalo kami sa mga ‘yun. Mabuti na lang nakukuha na namin kung paano makaka-finish sa fourth quarter nitong last games namin.’’
Uichico was also happy for his backcourt players, who he said finally realized that they need to give and take in terms of their playing minutes for the team to move forward.
‘’Even in the last conference, we really had a hard time giving minutes to everybody especially sa mga guards namin kasi sanay sila sa ganoon. Ngayon, medyo they’re happy with their minutes. Maganda naman ‘yung tinatakbo ngayon kaya nagsa-sacrifice sila. Para sa team naman lahat ito na nagsasakripisyo sila lahat. That’s important for our team chemistry.’’
The victories were made more impressive since the Gin Kings weren’t still in full force. Eric Menk missed the last four games due to a hamstring injury and remains a doubtful starter.
Another big man in Yancy De Ocampo missed two games due to a sprained right ankle before coming back in the Kings’ last game against Rain or Shine. Likewise, starting forward JC Intal fractured his right ankle in the game against the Llamados and is expected to be out for two weeks.
Jeric Lopez, Manila Standard Today
