Kings gun for finals spot

On Friday, it’s still a 50-50 game. It’s nice to get a head start in the series to dictate it.

STANLEY Pringle and Ginebra are eyeing a spot in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals.

Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim wants his Gin Kings not to feel complacent against NorthPort as they go for the first finals seat in Game 4 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup best-of-five semifinal series today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings try to finish off Batang Pier in their 7 p.m. encounter and advance to the best-of-seven title showdown.

Ginebra took its first series lead following a 132-105 victory in Game 3 last Wednesday behind a balanced scoring.

Justin Brownlee had his usual all-around game of 41 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks while Japeth Aguilar and Jeff Chan contributed 18 and 17 markers, respectively in their second straight lopsided win.

But Cone said NorthPort is still a dangerous foe despite injuries of key player.

“On Friday, it’s still a 50-50 game. It’s nice to get a head start in the series to dictate it,” said Cone, whose Gin Kings shot a sizzling 56 percent from the field (53-of-93) and dished out 36 assists.

“It’s going to be a new day. The series is only 2-1. We’re looking good right now with two wins but like I said Friday is 50-50. We don’t get any bonus points after a big win,” he added.

The Batang Pier face another knockout game, the team’s fifth this conference and head coach Pido Jarencio hopes his wards can still bounce back after another lethargic performance in Game 3.

Import Michael Qualls finished with 32 points and 10 rebounds while Christian Standhardinger had 20 markers and nine board. Paolo Taha chipped in 15 points for NorthPort, which again missed the services of Kevin Ferrer in Game 3.

After playing sparingly in Batang Pier’s 88-113 loss in Game 2, Ferrer sat out the next game after an object fell on his injured foot, according to team manager Bonnie Tan.

NorthPort is already missing its top guard Robert Bolick due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury while Sol Mercado was declared out of the series due to ankle sprain.