All eyes on Cone-Pineda chess match

Game today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

7:30 p.m. — Converge vs Ginebra

Fourth-seeded Converge is focused on adjusting its defensive scheme.

Barangay Ginebra will be looking for guard RJ Abarrientos on offense while maintaining its intensity on defense.

The beauty of a chess match between FiberXers first-year head coach Delta Pineda and decorated Kings tactician Tim Cone will be on full display in a no-tomorrow clash for a spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

On the line in the lone 7:30 p.m. tussle is the right to face defending champion San Miguel Beer in the best-of-seven Final Four.

Converge has learned the hard way not to underestimate the never-say-die spirit of Ginebra.

The Kings forced the FiberXers to use their quarterfinals twice-to-beat advantage with a 105-85 Christmas Day victory for a rubber match.

“Before I told the boys that having a twice-to-beat is a blessing. But the (semifinals seat) will not be given to us on a silver platter; we have to work for that,” Pineda said.

For Pineda, it will be a test of character for his wards.

“These are the kinds of situations that we need to overcome. We need to find a way and make a way to get through these situations,” he said.

One problem that the FiberXers need to address is Abarrientos.

He punished Converge’s defense by dropping 19 of his career-high 35 points in the fourth quarter in a performance to remember.

The Season 49 Rookie of the Year will have a huge target on his back as the FiberXers get a final crack at advancing into the semis after failing to pull through in the previous three conferences.

Cone’s experience also played a huge role in Game 1.