ALIVE and kicking.

With their patented never-say-die spirit in full display, the Barangay Ginebra Kings are back in contention in their best-of- seven title showdown against defending champion TNT Tropang Giga following an ego-boosting 85-73 victory in Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on All-Saint’s Day last Friday.

Now, the Gin Kings hope to do it again: beat the Tropang Giga and even the series at 2-2.

Game time is 7:35 p.m. after a short awarding ceremony to honor the Best Player and Best Import of the conference.

“We certainly played a lot better, especially on defense,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, whose team limited TNT to 32.6 percent shooting (28 of 86) while firing at an improved rate of 50 percent (33 of 66).

“I think coming from the San Miguel series (in the semis), we’re a little bit worn and not as focused as we should be. The two games kind of woke us up so hopefully this gets us going in the series,” added Cone.

Ginebra import Justin Brownlee agreed.

“It’s the finals and I think that’s where it’s going to be won — on the defensive end,” said Brownlee, who finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.

“At least that’s what ‘s been proven to be the past three games. TNT has been playing incredible defense, even in their Game 3 loss. We’re gonna have to either match them or be better.

We definitely emphasized defense in Game 3 and we did a great job all around the board.”

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson had 24 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals for the Tropang Giga, who still lead the title series 2-1.

He said he was not affected by jeers and boos from the pre-dominantly Ginebra crowd.

“At the end of the day, it’s just fuel for me. I look forward to the next game and the next opportunity. That just gives me energy. It feels good,” said Hollis-Jefferson

The scores:

Ginebra (85) — Brownlee 18, Ahanmisi 16, Thompson 15, J.Aguilar 10, Holt 10, Tenorio 9, Cu 3, Abarrientos 2, Devance 2. TNT (73) — Hollis-Jefferson 24, Erram 12, Castro 10, Pogoy 10, Oftana 9, Khobuntin 4, Nambatac 2, Williams 2. Quarterscores: 20-19, 42-39, 62-59, 85-73.

Game Sunday:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
7:30 p.m. — Awarding of Best Import and Best Player of the Conference
7:35 p.m.– Barangay Ginebra vs. TNT

The results:

Game 1– TNT 104, Ginebra 88
Game 2 — TNT 96, Ginebra 84.
Game 3 — Ginebra 85, TNT 73.
(TNT leads series, 2-1)

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya