Geneva and TNT kick off finals series – Manila Bulletin

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT hope the short recovery time from their grueling semifinal victories will not hamper their attempts to draw first blood in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, which begin Sunday night at the Centro. Cultural and Sports of the University Foundation of Angeles.

Tipoff is scheduled for 6pm with the two teams set to put on a strong opening act after winning the two decisive semifinals on Friday in contrasting fashion within the Smart Clark Giga City bubble.

Geneva will be very confident going into the match after surviving Meralco 83-80 on Scottie Thompson’s corner three with 0.6 seconds left, although that doesn’t mean TNT has strong confidence in their own chances as they were able to beat to the Phoenix Super LPG. 91-81 on the other support.

The psychological advantage is in the Kings, who beat Tropang Giga during their only knockout round inside the bubble 85-79. Coach Tim Cone, however, chose to think otherwise.

“They were the favorite team going into this bubble, I think. And they showed it from the beginning, ”Cone said. “I don’t think anyone thinks less of them. I think they will be the favorites and I think we will go there as a little underdog.

“They are playing great basketball. Well trained. And they got Jayson, ”Cone added, referring to TNT captain Jayson Castro, who could be the one determining the Tropang Giga’s quest to win its first championship since the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup.

While Ray Parks Jr. has become one of the favorites for the best player in the bubble, Castro continues to dictate the pace of TNT.

Parks-Castro’s backcourt will take on the duo of Stanley Pringle, another bubble MVP contender, and LA Tenorio, who are poised to give Geneva their fifth title with Cone leading the way.

Coach Bong Ravena believes the series with Phoenix should be beneficial to TNT’s title aspirations.

“Perhaps it was also a blessing in disguise that we met them. They helped us a lot, ”Ravena said. “So when it comes to the Finals, we are ready because we are having a hard time in Phoenix. That made us better and we’ll see. “

Other crucial factors for TNT are the consistency of RR Pogoy, Poy Erram and Troy Rosario and the play of their role players, namely Simon Enciso and veteran Jay Washington, who were key in Game 5.

Japeth Aguilar and Thompson are keen to show off their form that earned them the Finals MVP award in the past, even as Aljon Mariano, Prince Caperal and veterans Joe Devance and Jared Dillinger can provide the quality minutes during the series.