DESPITE clinching 2-0 leads in their respective best-of-five semifinal series, Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico and Talk ‘N Text mentor Chot Reyes both agreed that the series is far from over.
Reyes, speaking based on personal experiences, said that a 2-0 series edge doesn’t always translate to a sure win.
‘’I can’t say that the series is done. Ilang 2-0 leads na ang inabot kami before, gaya nu’ng sa Ginebra nu’ng 2010 All-Filipino,’’ said Reyes, whose Texters lead Air21.
The six-time champion coach Reyes said that Talk ‘N Text, which topped the Philippine Cup conference, should play even harder to assure themselves of a chance to gun for back-to-back championships.
‘’I think it is definitely far from over. They’ll (Air21) get a two-day rest so we have to prepare for a big fightback from them. I still believe they have the best import in the league and this is a very dangerous team,” Reyes said.
‘’They thrive in do-or-die games. They are undefeated in those types of games so far and Game 3 onwards are do-or-die games for them so we’ll be in trouble if they keep surviving in elimination games. That’s why we have to make sure we take care of things.’’
Reyes said complacency should be the last thing on the minds of the Texters if they want to close out the series.
‘’It’s natural for teams who have leads to relax and I just hope we can maintain a steady level of play and effort all throughout.’’
Uichico, also a multi-titled coach, likewise believes that Ginebra’s own physical series against Smart-Gilas Pilpinas is far from being done.
‘’It’s not yet a won series for us. We need one more win for us to move forward and we all know how tough Smart-Gilas is. We have to come out strong again next game for us to finish it,’’ said Uichico.
The championship-thirsty Gin Kings are eyeing their first finals appearance in two years and their first plum in three years.
The last time the crowd-darlings won a crown was way back in 2008 when it defeated Air21 in a grueling seven-game encounter for the Fiesta Cup title.
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