Push Admin

PBA: Ginebra, NLEX aim to finish off opponents, complete semifinals cast

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/news/03/07/ravena.jpg"/><figcaption>Can NLEX&#x27;s Kiefer Ravena and Ginebra&#x27;s Scottie Thompson be instrumental again in leading their respective teams to victory in Game 2 on Wednesday? File/PBA Media Bureau</figcaption></figure></div>All Barangay Ginebra and NLEX want is not to waste their 1-0 lead in their respective quarterfinal series in the PBA Philippine Cup.For that to happen, according to the head coaches, their players need to think they&#x27;re not ahead at all.Ginebra battles Rain Or Shine at 4:30 p.m., while NLEX takes on Alaska at 7 p.m. at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, as both squads hope to complete the semifinals cast of this all-Filipino tournament. NLEX got a leg up on Alaska with a 105-99 win on Monday, thanks in large part to rookie Kiefer Ravena, who finished with 25 points and 3 3-pointers on 64% shooting from the field, and Larry Fonancier (18 points, 4 3-pointers, 9 rebounds).&quot;The biggest mistake that we can make is to think we will have an easier time than the first time,&quot; NLEX coach Yeng Guiao said.Alaska did its best to make NLEX work for its shots but even though the Aces were plus-14 in field-goal attempts (helped by forcing the Road Warriors to 24 turnovers) they couldn&#x27;t convert from the floor.Alaska made just 37% of its field goals (compared with 54% for NLEX) and 5 3-pointers overall (compared with NLEX&#x27;s 13).&quot;Kahit gaano kasarap &#x27;yung panalo, kailangan kalimutan and focus on Game 2,&quot; Ravena said.Ginebra coach Tim Cone has the same thinking.&quot;(A 1-0 series lead) doesn&#x27;t guarantee us anything,&quot; he said. &quot;Hopefully we&#x27;d come with a 0-0 mentality on Wednesday.&quot;Scottie Thompson&#x27;s 14 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists propelled Ginebra to an 88-80 victory over Rain Or Shine.Thompson&#x27;s performance earned praise from Cone, calling it &quot;shockingly good.&quot;Now Cone wants the same determination, if not brilliance, out of the rest of his team.&quot;He kind of epitomizes what we hoped we&#x27;d be as a team, hard work and desire,&quot; the coach said.For more sports coverage, visit the <a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com">ABS-CBN Sports website</a>.

Ginebra battles Rain Or Shine at 4:30 p.m., while NLEX takes on Alaska at 7 p.m. at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

Ginebra battles Rain Or Shine at 4:30 p.m., while NLEX takes on Alaska at 7 p.m. at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.