Now, they're struggling against a veteran team with giant-killing ways.
Ginabra import Nate Brumfeld played the role of the hero again as he scored 8 of Ginebra's last 10points in leading the Kings to victory over the Nationals 110-103.
Now, the Nationals find themselves down 2-0 in their series. To make matters worse, key Gilas players like behemoth Marcus Douthit, playmaker Mark Barroca and sniper Marcio Lassiter are all nursing injuries.
Gilas now has to win 3 straight games to get to the championship round.
This brings to question whether Gilas has peaked early, leading to a less-than-lustrous performance in the rounds that matter more. Some people point to the increased intensity of the PBA teams as the key factor, leading them to conclude that Smart Gilas benefited from the PBA habit of relaxed playing during the elimination round. And still others think its the superior basketball talent of PBA players finally showing through.
My opinion is it's a combination of scouting coaching plus increased intensity. PBA teams are devising ways and schemes to neutralize Gilas' assets while attacking their weakness. Gilas, on the other hand, need to solve the new schemes designed especially for them. That takes time and time is not on their side.
I do expect Gilas to win Game 3 though. They are a hardy, talented bunch who will go all out to salvage some measure of pride.
More on this story, here.
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