Ginebra tries to open 2-0 finals lead against Meralco

With only a day to prepare for Game 2 — not to mention the long travel from Quezon to Metro Manila that would further lessen time to map out a way to bounce back — Coach Tim Cone is still wary that Meralco will enter the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City a totally different squad. (Photo: Tim Cone/Facebook)

MANILA — With only a day to prepare for Game 2 — not to mention the long travel from Quezon to Metro Manila that would further lessen time to map out a way to bounce back — Coach Tim Cone is still wary that Meralco will enter the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City a totally different squad.

“They’re gonna have that emotion going into Game 2 because they’re coming off a loss,” said the Ginebra coach, pertaining to his club’s 102-87 Game 1 rout of Meralco in Lucena on Friday night.

Cone now looks to find a way to get through the emotions for his team to go 2-0 up in the championship round.

“We’re gonna figure out a way to battle that emotion even though we’re tired from this long trip,” he continued.

The Bolts and the Barangay square off anew on Sunday night as the best-of-seven series moves from Quezon Province to Quezon City.

Tip-off is at 6:30 p.m., right after the league unveils the Best Player and the Best Import of the Conference.