Ahanmisi says pressure now is on San Miguel, not Ginebra
Maverick Ahanamisi and the Ginebra Gin Kings in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioners’ Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra is keeping a positive outlook on the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series against San Miguel despite virtually being a loss away from elimination.
The Gin Kings succumbed to the Beermen, 106-96, on Friday to go down 0-2 in the best-of-five series that puts them on the brink of failure to defend their crown.
But Mav Ahanmisi thinks the pressure is on San Miguel to eliminate them before they can make a comeback rally in the series.
“I think the pressure’s more on their side, to be honest. They’re up 2-0. There’s really no pressure just because, obviously, our backs are against the wall and we have nothing to lose now,” said Ahanmisi in an interview with Inquirer Sports.
“Obviously, we want to come out with the same type of energy to try and get a win so I think pressure’s more on their side.”
Ginebra’s Mav Ahanmisi after going down 0-2 at the hands of San Miguel. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/c8ru2QSLF5
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) January 26, 2024
The former Converge swingman chipped in 13 points in the Ginebra loss in a subpar shooting night, sinking just six of his 17 shots for a 35 percent clip.
As far as the streaky shooter’s concerned, Ginebra had always been “there” to grab the win before deflating in the payoff period.
That, indeed, has been the case for the Gin Kings as the Beermen would pull away in the last minute or so for the past two games in the semis.
“We were there. Just down the stretch, we can’t execute well and then defensively, we got to own up to our schemes but we’re there. We just have to do some minor tweaks and get one game in and see where the ball goes from there.”
“What they do well is exploit mismatches. I think we need to do the same and I think we haven’t done that well. Hopefully, we can get it together in Game 3 and take advantage of mismatches.”
The uphill climb for Ginebra won’t be any easier now, especially with import Bennie Boatwright back at the forefront of the Beermen’s attack.
After registering a conference-low 23 points in Game 1, Boatwright has adjusted to the Gin Kings’ defense and erupted for 38 points on Friday.
“He’s a good player. You can’t say that you’re going to stop him every game butI think we’re the only team that held him to 23 points since he’s been here,” said the shifty guard.
Ginebra aims to stay alive on Sunday at the same venue at 6:30 pm.
