PBA: Ginebra's Joe Devance improving, but Jervy Cruz doubtful for Game 4 | ABS-CBN

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PBA: Ginebra's Joe Devance improving, but Jervy Cruz doubtful for Game 4

PBA: Ginebra's Joe Devance improving, but Jervy Cruz doubtful for Game 4

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

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Barangay Ginebra will need all the healthy frontcourt bodies, including Joe Devance, to be able to neutralize San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo in Game 4. Courtesy of the PBA Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra's injury situation is a mixed bag heading into Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals against San Miguel on Friday.

On one hand, the Gin Kings fans should feel assured that veteran forward Joe Devance believes his plantar fascia in his left foot — which has pained him since the quarterfinals — is steadily getting better.

"I only got one shot today, and even last game, I only got one shot," said Devance, who has needed anesthetics just to get on the floor.

"Next game, I might try to not take a shot, and see how that goes. We'll see. But it's getting better, though."

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Devance was one of the heroes of Ginebra's series-tying 124-118 win in Game 2, scoring the lay-up that sent the game in overtime. He had six points, seven rebounds, and five assists in Game 3, but Ginebra coach Tim Cone admitted that the versatile player "wore down" in the fourth quarter.

The Gin Kings sorely missed the presence of Jervy Cruz in Game 3, as the forward had to sit out the contest due to a shoulder injury he suffered in Game 2.

According to Cone, Cruz is still "doubtful" for Friday's Game 4.

"Maybe more possible on Sunday (for Game 5), but we'll see," said Cone of Cruz, who played a vital role in Ginebra's run to the finals and provided them with another defender on San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo.

"Obviously, we lacked him (in Game 3). We lacked an extra big guy out there," he added. "Joe wore down in the fourth quarter . . . And Jervy would have really helped, but you go with what you have."

One player who may see more action on Friday is Aljon Mariano, who wasn't used in during Game 3 — a decision that Cone regretted.

"I'm kind of kicking myself in the rear end because I didn't play AJ. I should have played Aljon, I didn't get him on the floor," Cone said. "He could have given us a little bit of a lift, I think."

Ginebra squandered a 12-point second quarter lead in Game 3, and was held scoreless in the final four minutes of the game as the Beermen came away with a 99-88 victory and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven finals series.

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