Maverick Ahanmisi was everywhere for Ginebra in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. Now Gin Kings more from him and the rest of the team as they look to extend the series.
With their backs against the wall, Barangay Ginebra is banking on its trademark resilience to keep its title hopes alive.
Down 3-2 in their best-of-seven PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals series against San Miguel Beermen, the Gin Kings need a win in Game 6 on Sunday to force a winner-take-all Game 7. Gametime is 5:00 p.m. from the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
[RELATED STORY: Tim Cone on Ginebra's Game 5 loss to SMB in PBA semis: 'I thought we had a chance to win’]
Ginebra is coming off a tough 92-103 loss in Game 5, where it failed to contain a late-game surge from San Miguel led by CJay Perez’s 31-point explosion.
Mav Ahanmisi tried to keep the Kings in the fight with 19 points, while Scottie Thompson, who continues to play through a nagging hamstring injury, contributed 14 points and nine rebounds in a gritty effort.
[ALSO READ:Injured Scottie Thompson says no excuses as Ginebra bows to SMB in Game 5 of PBA semis]
Head coach Tim Cone remained level-headed following the defeat, confident that his team can regroup.
“Sayang. I thought we had a chance to win tonight,” said Cone.
With June Mar Fajardo slowly regaining form for San Miguel, the challenge only gets tougher for Ginebra.
But with veterans like Thompson and Japeth Aguilar, plus the deep bench that Cone has masterfully managed all season, the Gin Kings will look to summon their “Never Say Die” spirit to live another day.
[ALSO READ: Jericho Cruz steps up big time, pushes San Miguel to cusp of PBA Philippine Cup Finals return]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]