But for Jun Limpot and the rest of the Gin Kings, the fatigue factor practically led to their 75-81 setback, a six-point loss that, for many, didn’t reflect the manner how the Beermen outclassed, outgunned and outplayed the crowd favorites.
"Hindi ako masyadong nasaktan sa talo namin dahil sa nakita ko sa team namin talagang pagod na lang kami going into that game," Limpot said. "But I know we can come back because we have the edge on match-up and speed."
"Watch out for us on Wednesday, you will see the Ginebra team that worked so hard to get this far. Garantisado yan."
Truly, the Gin Kings had to survive a series of sudden deaths, including two one-point victories over Purefoods in the quarterfinals, to earn a crack at the PBA crown for the first time in four years. And Limpot said the rigors of playing seven pulsating games prior to Sunday’s title series opener finally took their toll on them.
"I tried to overcome the fatigue factor by thinking that I could do it. Nilabanan ko yung pagod. The mind was willing but the body was not."
The Kings worked out late yesterday at the PhilSports Arena, venue of Game 2 tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., and Limpot and the rest of the team are confident that they will be able to come up with adjustments and iron out the kinks in their arsenal that were effectively scuttled in Game 1.
For one, Limpot, playing in his first championship since he joined the ranks in 1993, has ruled out a sweep by the Beermen.
"Hindi mangyayari yan," said Limpot (of a sweep). "Nakita ko kagabi (Sunday night), kahit pagod na kami, we were able to make a run at them (Beermen). Maganda pa rin ang momentum ng team and we have this chance of playing in the Finals, we won’t let it slip away."
"Alam mo naman ang Ginebra, kapag nakakatikim ng talo, dun lalong gumagaling."