Manila Classico all over again. For the first time this year, one of the hottest rivalries in the history of the PBA unfolds this Sunday. James Yap versus Mark Caguioa. Barangay Ginebra takes on the San Mig Coffee Mixers (formerly B-Meg Llamados).
When these two teams collide, one can always expect a battle. I always have the feeling that San Mig Coffee brings out the best in every Barangay Ginebra player and vice versa. The fact that they are sister teams makes the game more interesting. Yes, every time these two teams collide there is no sister team. The battle is always intense and physical.
More importantly, for Barangay Ginebra, this could be an indicator of where they are headed this conference. At 2-4, they can not afford to loose for a fifth straight time or else it could mean trouble for them. They a need to win to check their slide and get back in the groove of things.
A defeat, on the other hand, would create another huge outburst among the die hard Ginebra fans who are still clinging to their belief in the "Never Say Die" spirit which the team has been known for. I, for one, am hoping that the bleeding stops here.
In a way, these two teams are quite similar. They are loaded with guards, plays physical defense, and loves running from time to time.
So what are the keys to winning for Barangay Ginebra? First, I think they should play 48 minutes of quality basketball. The third quarter will be key because that is where Ginebra always loose their game. They should play as a team, win or loose as a team. Their offense is quite unpredictable if they pass the ball around and look for the open man. They should exploit mismatches (which I believe is in the wing spot)and force their opponent to turnovers.
Their defense must step up for their offense to click. In their lost games, Ginebra have not played great defense. They have some great defenders in the team (Maierhoffer, Wilson, Ababou, Mamaril). They should play with energy and bring back the heart in their game, a quality that has been conspiciously absent in their four losses.
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