WITH NBA veteran Andrew Nicholson and starting guard Glen Yang missing in action, Bay Area dropped a 91-101 decision to Barangay Ginebra in last Sunday’s Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

That put the Hong Kong-based Dragons. in a bind, needing to win twice –in Game 6 to stay alive this Wednesday and Game 7 to capture the coveted championship of this import-flavored conference.

Now, Bay Area coach Brian Goorjian hopes to get both Nicholson and Yang healthy in time for the crucial Game 6 battle against the rejuvenated Kings.

“There’s a chance. We’re working very hard. And the fact that we played three games in the last five days, we’ve got a three-day period now, and we’re hoping we’re going to get those two guys,” said Goorjian in an interview posted at the official PBA website.

Goorjian, however, said Yang has a better chance of suiting up than Nicholson.

“I’ll put 75-25 on Glen,” said Goorjian.

“As for Nicholson, I’d say 50-50. We lose, we are out. It’s to that point. So if there’s any chance, we will roll the dice. I’m putting 50-50 there.”

Goorjian claimed Yang’s absence was the key in their Game 5 setback to Ginebra.

“He (Yang) wasn’t there tonight. And I miss him,” said Goorjian, referring to Yang, who played the whole 48 minutes of Game 4 despite hurting his ankle in the final seven minutes.

“For our team, and the way we are put together, Glen is invaluable. That piece tonight, when the pressure was on, on the offensive end, trying to get a good shot, and get through our stuff, missing him was noticeable from a coaching standpoint.”

Another cause of concern for Bay Area fans is Hayden Blankley, who hurt his ankle nd had to be carried over the shoulders by his two teammates on their way to the dugout.

The results:

Game 1 — Ginebra 96, Bay Area 81.
Game 2 — Bay Area 99, Ginebra 82.
Game 3 — Ginebra 89, Bay Area 82
Game 4 — Bay Area 94, Ginebra 86.
Game 5 — Ginebra 101, Bay Area 91.
(Ginebra leads best-of-seven series, 3-2).

Game Wednesday:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
5:45 p.m. — Bay Area vs. Ginebra