Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 3) – The Meralco Bolts fell short in all of their three previous PBA Governors’ Cup championship clashes with Barangay Ginebra.
As they are set to battle for the title for the fourth time, Meralco head coach Norman Black expressed his confidence that they can get over the hump this year and finally hoist the Governors’ Cup trophy.
“I like my chances this time around,” Black said after their semifinals rubber match victory against top seed Magnolia.
RELATED: Meralco sets another title date with Ginebra after eliminating Magnolia
Black emphasized that star guard Chris Banchero – who sat out in Game 5 of their semifinals series due to injury – needs to get back in shape as he will be critical in their latest attempt to win Meralco’s first PBA crown.
“I just hope I can get CB (Banchero) back. If he comes back, then I think my chances are pretty good,” said Black.
The main concern for Black now is how they can neutralize Ginebra import Justin Brownlee – who is averaging 33.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 2.3 steals this conference.
The resident Gin Kings import etched his name in the annals of Philippine basketball when he shot the title-clinching and buzzer-beating three point shot in Game 6 of the 2016 Governors’ Cup finals – which ended the crowd favorite team’s eight year title drought and broke the Bolts’ hears in their first ever PBA finals trip.
“He is Justin Brownlee, so that is a problem. But we just went up against Mike Harris. So we’ll do our best to defend him, to defend Brownlee,” Black said as he also cited the imposing Magnolia reinforcement.
The Bolts mentor added he is more motivated this time to finally beat his Gin Kings counterpart and the league’s winningest head coach Tim Cone.
Black has not yet won against Cone in their previous five finals showdowns.
“I’ve never beaten Tim before, so maybe this would be the right time to get it done. We’ve been meeting a lot lately and he has been on the winning end every time,” said Black.
Game 1 of the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup tips off on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
