Minus Marc Pingris and Joe Devance, coach Tim Cone is still confident they can wage battle versus Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“We knew there were going to be repercussions from our last game so we’re mentally prepared to go without Ping (Marc Pingris) and Joe (Devance),” said Cone.
“You hate losing two key players at a key moment in the conference, but it is what it is. Our plan is just to go out and take care of business with what we have,” Cone added.
The Mixers will be severely handicapped as they play the Kings at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, the result of Pingris’ and Devance’s involvement in the brawl that marred the San Mig Coffee – GlobalPort tussle Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Devance is serving a one-game suspension. Pingris, meanwhile, will still be out in their next game opposite Alaska Tuesday.
The good news for the Mixers Sunday is that Japeth Aguilar and Kerby Raymundo are still doubtful starters for Ginebra.
Both teams jockey for position in the middle of the pack with identical 2-3 win-loss slates.
The Mixers and the Kings are tied with the GlobalPort Batang Pier and the Talk n Text Tropang Texters at sixth place, three games off the pace.
Of course, the target is just to make the Top Four at the close of the short single round-robin elimination phase.
Two teams bow out of contention after the elims. The top eight advance to the playoffs with the top four enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage over the next four in the quarterfinals.
“Malaking bagay ang twice-to-beat kaya pukpukan ang lahat sa Top Four,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.
The Kings gained some relief Wednesday in repulsing the Express, 106-93.
Dior Lowhorn tossed in 35 points while LA Tenorio recorded 18 points, 14 assists, seven rebounds and two steals as the Kings snapped a two-game losing skein. (SB)
Source: http://pba.inquirer.net/30239/mixers-kings-collide-without-key-bigs
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