Kings hunt playoff edge

LA Tenorio and Ginebra clash with Columbian for a twice-to-beat edge in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

Barangay Ginebra and Columbian Dyip lock horns in a crucial meeting as they try to boost their respective bids in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings and the Dyip clash in the main game at 7 p.m. while Phoenix (2-8) and Blackwater (2-8) meet at 4:30 p.m. in a no-bearing game as both teams are already eliminated.

With 6-3 win-loss mark, Ginebra is already assured of a spot in the quarterfinal round but still can vie for the top four finish and the twice-to-beat advantage.

“We still have our sights on the top four. And we need to get one of the two to get to the top four. The top four is our goal and Columbian is in the way and we have to go through them,” Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone, whose team is coming off a thrilling 96-93 win over TNT KaTropa.

Japeth Aguilar had his best game in the tournament with 29 points and 10 rebounds against KaTropa while import Justin Brownlee tallied 24 markers, 16 boards and six assists.

Seven-foot center Greg Slaughter sat out in that game due to dislocated thumb he suffered in practice and will continue to miss the game against the Columbian Dyip.

“Right now we’re trying to get Greg healthy. It’s day-to-day at this point. At this point he’s looking very near on coming back but things can change in a hurry,” Cone said.

“Greg is one of the guys that can control him (Khapri Alston) cause he’s not really a perimeter guy so Greg could’ve controlled him. Every time you lose a guy like Greg people don’t realize the things he brings in the game.”

The Dyip, who are totting a 4-6 mark, need to get the victory to formalize their entry in the quarterfinal loss as a loss could complicate their chances and they might be involved in a playoff.

The wards of head coach John Cardel are coming off a 74-92 loss to Meralco, the team’s second defeat in a row.

“We are coming from straight losses. But I’m still motivating the guys. The off night is there. It’s really hard to win when you’re having an off night. In fact, I think that’s the worst game we played this conference,” Cardel said referring to their 18-point loss to the Bolts.

“Right now we’re working on our defense. In our last game, we had a bad offense. I told my boys it’s okay if we have bad offense just not bad defense. Because we have great defense then everything will follow. So that’s what I want for us to focus on. Our shots may not go in but we have to make sure they don’t make their shot as well.”

CJ Perez had 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals versus Meralco while Alston posted a double-double game of 19 points and 16 boards.

“We need to win this Friday but it’s going to be tough. Of course, that’s Ginebra. Coming in this Friday’s game we’re fresh not only our health but also our mind. We have to be tough against Ginebra,” Cardel said.