Ginebra faces hump against NLEX

MANILA, Philippines — Three struggling teams gasp for air while one wants no let-up among the league-leaders as the PBA Governors’ Cup reaches the crucial halfway mark of the elimination round today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Running second with an impressive 3-1 slate, NLEX takes on the formidable but scrambling Barangay Ginebra (1-2) in the main game at 7:30 p.m. following the duel between Blackwater (1-3) and Phoenix (0-3) at 5 p.m. of an all-Group B pairing.

NLEX, under the watch of returning mentor Jong Uichico, gained a quick redemption last Saturday in Cagayan de Oro with a 112-108 overtime win over San Miguel – on the heels of its lone loss against unbeaten and Group B leader Rain or Shine (4-0).

With an intact roster led by top gun Robert Bolick and reinforced by import Myke Henry, the Road Warriors should be the favorites to get the better of the Gin Kings still learning the ropes after a bevy of off-season moves.

Ginebra’s transition phase, with No. 3 rookie RJ Abarrientos along with new guys Isaac Go and Stephen Holt following a trade that sent veterans Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle to Terrafirma, has been evident so far with a rare, slow start.

The Gin Kings, even with resident import and Gilas Pilipinas naturalized Justin Brownlee, fell prey to Rain or Shine, 73-64, and previously winless Blackwater, 95-88.