BARANGAY Ginebra and Magnolia seek crucial victories that will have significant implications on their respective playoff bids as both squads face off with separate foes on Sunday in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Gin Kings got a big shot in the arm with the return of ace playmaker Scottie Thompson last Friday, orchestrating the team's play en route to Ginebra's 105-86 demolition of skidding Blackwater Bossing.
Ginebra now tries to carry on that confidence-building win when the team clashes with NorthPort (4-2) in their 6:15 p.m. match.
The opening game also features Magnolia (2-2) taking on Phoenix (2-4) in an equally interesting match at 3 p.m.
Thompson played his first game for the conference, making an impact with his all-around effort of four points, seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals in over 26 minutes of play.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone said he was elated to have the team's floor general back on the floor.
"Scottie's a former MVP. He's going to make an impact on the team as he has through the years," Cone said after the game, as the Gin Kings snapped their two-game slide to improve to 4-3 and move up to solo fourth place in the standings.
But with Ginebra playing its second game in three games, Cone said they will certainly have to manage Thompson's playing time, knowing he's still feeling his way back into the game since recovering from a nagging back injury.
"He's only had couple of practices and joined the game. He didn't practice the whole week," shared the American mentor. "I was caught trying to keep him on the flow and get him to rhythm, but also I don't want to overextend him and get him to be ready to play on Sunday."
Cone knows they will have their hands full playing against the Batang Pier, a team that has won four of its last five games.
Arvin Tolentino, the former Ginebra wingman, is playing his best conference as pro, leading NorthPort with his per-game averages of 24.0 points, along with 7.6 boards and 5.0 assists.
The former Far Eastern University star's solid plays made him a strong candidate for the Best Player of the Conference, ranking second at the moment in the statistical race behind NLEX superstar Robert Bolick.
But Cone knows NorthPort is more than just Tolentino, aware that Ginebra still has to deal with coach Bonnie Tan's solid coaching and the Batang Pier's bunch of eager-beaver players.
"They (Batang Pier) picked up really well and play real good defense. Coach Bonnie has been doing tremendously well for them," said Cone. "(Joshua) Munzon is doing well also, and so is (Zav) Lucero who is obviously contributing. They have a lot of weapons. They are not that big but their guys play physical."
While Ginebra tries to step up its chase for the top 4 spot, Magnolia will also look to build on last Wednesday's win with another victory, this time against Phoenix.
But then again, the Hotshots know they are facing a Fuel Masters side that is now adjusting to life without young but vastly-improved playmaker Tyler Tio.
Phoenix outlasted Converge, 113-107 on Friday to end its own two-game slide and get back into the scheme of things.
This is actually the same Phoenix side that gave fits against Magnolia during the Commissioner's Cup semifinal series, before eventually losing, 3-1.
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