2018 Semis Prediction: Can Ginebra Avoid a 0-3 Nightmare?

Against San Miguel Beermen, Ginebra's frontline is a weakness. Especially, without the tallest PBA player in the league, Greg Slaughter.

So, can Ginebra avoid a 0-3 hole?

KEY FACTORS

Points in the Paint

Free-throw Shooting

Bench

With the way SMB is distributing their minutes, the bench of Ginebra is more important than the back-ups of the Beermen. 

Ginebra's 2nd unit, dig well in game 2 by outscoring their counterpart by 10 points. 19 points though, is still not enough. Sol Mercado, Jervy Cruz and Aljon Mariano should bring more to the table. 

Free-throw shooting is vital. Ginebra knew that as they are shooting 90% from the line in the first two games. They should keep that up, because the 3rd game could be another close game.

Points in the paint will be the most vital. Ginebra cannot let the Beermen score 24 more points in the paint. And for San Miguel, they should make sure that Ginebra will continue to be afraid to go inside. 

PREDICTION

It is easy to say that there is no way coach Tim Cone is letting his team fall to a 0-3 series deficit. But, they are facing the deepest and powerful, Beermen. 

One thing that coach Tim may do in this game, is to play at least two more of his bench players. And that will be a game-changer. I also expect Ginebra to keep playing a lot of Joe Devance, to make it harder for San Miguel to score inside.

So, overall, I see Ginebra winning this one, but in close fashion.