PBA

Barangay Ginebra remains wary of TNT after crucial win: 'All we did was even out the odds'

Barangay Ginebra is not in the mood to celebrate anything even after a stunning 104-92 victory over the twice-to-beat TNT on Wednesday in the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals.

Head coach Tim Cone said business is not done yet, adding that all they did was level the field against the Tropang Giga, whom they hadn't beaten in the season-ending conference prior to last night.

"I don't want to make too big of a deal about this game, it's just a game and all we did was even out the odds," said Cone in the post-game presser.

"They had overwhelmingly bid odds coming into the series and now we kind of halved those odds."

Against TNT, Cone got solid performances from his brigade led by import Justin Brownlee, who poured in a game-high of 38 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, and an assist in nearly 46 minutes of play.

Leading the locals were Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar, who had 23 and 21 markers, respectively, with Thompson adding 15 boards and eight assists to his statline.

Despite their huge win, Cone said TNT will come back stronger and more prepared.

"They're still the favorites but the good news is we have a couple of days to recover. Bad news is they have a couple days to look into the video and go over and see what adjustments we've made and they will make their own adjustments," said the league's winningest coach.

"That's why twice-to-beat is so hard to overcome."

Cone also gave credits to the Barangay nation for showing up at the Big Dome and cheering on the defending champions Gin Kings in what could have been their final game this season.

"It makes a huge difference for us, no doubt about it. They are a special group, they show up every game, and they cheer us on whether we are up or down," he said.

"From a coaching standpoint, I don't hear very much until I watch the replay and then I hear it on the TV because I 'm trying to narrow my focus on what we're doing."

Ginebra and TNT will lock horns anew on Saturday at 4 p.m. to determine who will move on to the semifinal round.

—MGP, GMA News