Gin Kings, Beermen eye 2-0 semis lead

Barangay GInebra’s Scottie Thompson drives to the basket against Meralco during Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series. PBA PHOTO

BARANGAY Ginebra and San Miguel Beer (SMB) eye 2-0 bulge as both squads resume their respective PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against separate opponents on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Gin Kings opened the series with a hard-earned 92-88 win over the Meralco Bolts last Friday. Both squads square off anew at 3 p.m.

On the other hand, San Miguel survived Rain or Shine's (ROS) fightback late in Game 1 to carve out a 101-98 triumph.

The Beermen will be shooting for their second straight victory against the Elasto Painters at 6:15 p.m.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone is well aware that the team is facing a new and improved Meralco side that has been benefiting largely from active consultant Nenad Vucinic.

In fact, the American mentor said Vucinic's influence has been evident with the way the Bolts guards are playing, being active on the defensive end.

"They get a lot of movements, and their guards are quick to the rim," said Cone. "We had a hard time defending them in some stretches, but hopefully we get better and better as we're still trying to figure it out."

Cone got solid contributions from veteran guard Stanley Pringle, who after averaging a quiet eight points per contest in the eliminations, exploded for a season-high 22 to lead Ginebra to the Game 1 victory.

Meanwhile, SMB coach Jorge Gallent isn't expecting a walk in the park in their race-to-four wins semifinal series versus ROS.

It's no wonder he had to remind his wards to make sure they limit their turnovers, knowing that any miscue on their part could mean easy transition points for the running-and-gunning Elasto Painters.

"We just have to minimize that and take care of the ball because if we don't take care of the ball, this is what's gonna happen," Gallent said, referring to ROS' 10 fast break points, as well as his team's 16 turnovers. "They're gonna have easy shots, and we won't be able to sprint back down on defense."

SMB will again have star center June Mar Fajardo taking the lead, along with gunners like CJ Perez, Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter and Terrence Romeo, who all delivered double-digit scoring numbers in the series-opening game.

For ROS, Beau Belga will be leading the way, along with vastly improved forward Leonard Santillan, Andrei Caracut, Gian Mamuyac and rookie big man Keith Datu.