Team defense is Clasico key

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra is formulating a scheme to contain Ricardo Ratliffe in the PBA Manila Clasico game against Magnolia at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tomorrow night and assistant coach Richard del Rosario said it will involve locals not just Justin Brownlee.

“JB and Ratliffe are different in their strengths and style of play so locals will be crucial in helping on defensive assignments,” said Del Rosario. “There will be times when Troy (Rosario) will be on Ratliffe but we don’t rely on one-on-one defense so he’ll have help with our defensive schemes.”

Since Ratliffe is mainly an inside operator, Ginebra will need Japeth Aguilar to protect the middle but it’s not certain if he’ll be ready to play. Aguilar has sat out the last two games, nursing a groin strain. “Japeth’s not sure to play,” said Del Rosario. “It depends on how he feels before the game.” Brownlee has put in extra work to fill in for Aguilar, averaging 44 points in his last two contests after norming 17.3 in his first three. Coach Tim Cone has started RJ Abarrientos and Aljon Mariano in the last two games to cover for injuries.

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said he plans the same team effort on Brownlee. Rome de la Rosa and Zavier Lucero are candidates as his primary defender. “Multiple players ang kukuha kay JB at ‘di pwede isa lang match-up,” he said. “JB’s very smart and experienced. Hopefully, our defensive schemes will limit his activity on the court.”

Ginebra has lost two of its last three assignments while Magnolia is fresh from an OT win over NLEX but came from four setbacks in a row. The Hotshots are struggling with consistency and Paul Lee has missed three of their last four games. Ratliffe has been a workhorse even if he’s averaging scoring and rebounding lows in his PBA career. Ratliffe and Brownlee are a handful and it’s why a team crackdown is the only way to cuff them.

For Ginebra, the good news is Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray may be back from injury next month. For Magnolia, the good news is Lee will be in harness tomorrow.