MANILA, Philippines – It appears the test is not over yet for Burger King.

After Sta. Lucia, the Titans face no less than defending champion Barangay Ginebra in Friday’s Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup main game at the Astrodome.

And judging from the way coach Yeng Guiao talks, the league’s most popular ballclub could yet be the opponent expected to give Burger King its biggest ordeal.

“We have a match-up problem (with their) import," Guiao admitted a day after Kings’ import Rod Nealy nearly collected a triple-double effort of 42 points, 23 rebounds and nine assists in Ginebra’s 110-103 win over Coca-Cola.

“He’s (Nealy) a heavy scorer and a good rebounder. Aside from that, they have good local support. If we cannot stop their import and we cannot limit his (Nealy) numbers, we will have a hard time winning."

Guiao said the only way on how they could counter Ginebra’s advantages is for the Titans to get the needed backing from the locals and exploit the low post. “We also have an advantage, and that is in the post. But what we need really is more local support."

The Titans started their campaign in this import-spiced tournament with a bang, turning back Sta. Lucia Realty, 96-87, last Saturday in Dumaguete City.

But the Ginebra match is perhaps the true test if they deserve to be called contenders in this season-ending conference, a game between two teams that faced off in the Finals of this tournament last season and which Ginebra won in seven gripping contests.

Ginebra will still play without Junthy Valenzuela, who is still trying to recover from a knee surgery. Mark Caguioa, the Kings main man, on the other hand is expected to arrive from the US in the waning stages of the preliminary round.

In the opener, Barako Bull and Coca-Cola collide assuring one team will barge into the win column.


http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151550/Burger-Kings-true-test-to-come-from-reigning-champ-Ginebra