BARANGAY Ginebra seeks its third win in as many matches when it takes on old rival Meralco Bolts in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gametime is 7:30 p.m. with the Gin Kings gunning for their third straight victory before the 2024 PBA All-Star Weekend in Bacolod City.

The Gin Kings remain undefeated through two games, yet coach Tim Cone claims that they are still a work in progress. They acknowledge the need to find balance, particularly in the absence of Scottie Thompson.

Cone emphasizes the importance of playing with a slightly faster pace while maintaining a strong defensive presence.

Cone is set to return for another All-Star coaching stint, leading Team Japeth Aguilar.

This team will include five Ginebra players: Aguilar, Christian Standhardinger, Jamie Malonzo, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Stanley Pringle.

Despite dealing with injuries, Thompson is still included in the lineup.

Another Ginebra player, John Pinto, has also been selected for the Mark Barroca team.

However, the current focus remains on Meralco as the Kings aim to maintain their momentum, with the Manila Clasico against Magnolia slated for March 31 at the Big Dome.

Cone and his team are determined to build on their recent back-to-back victories against Rain or Shine and Phoenix Super LPG, facing a Meralco side eager to break their two-game losing streak.

Coach Luigi Trillo and his Bolts have had a challenging start, suffering a 96-93 upset against Blackwater, rebounding with a 121-117 victory over Rain or Shine, but falling short in their next two games against NLEX (99-96) and NorthPort (90-85).

The Kings are fully aware of Meralco’s formidable reputation as a rival.

Notably, All-Star players in the Meralco squad include Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge.

In the 4:30 p.m. match, Rain or Shine is seeking a breakthrough moment to reverse its fortunes when it tackles debuting San Miguel Beer.