Gin Kings rip Express, tie series
By Musong R. Castillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:55:00 08/14/2008
GAME FRIDAY (Cuneta Astrodome)
7 p.m.—Air21 vs Barangay Ginebra
MANILA, Philippines—Jong Uichico made an unusual appearance in the press room before Game 4 Wednesday night, apologizing to those covering the Smart PBA Fiesta Cup for no-shows after losses in their previous two games.
He did, however, make a promise—albeit jokingly—to drop by at the end of each of the games until Sunday, giving the impression that Barangay Ginebra will win the next three and bag the season-ending tournament coming from behind.
The Gin Kings then took the Araneta Coliseum floor and jumped the gun on Air21, establishing control early and never losing steam on the way to a masterful 90-77 conquest of the Express that knotted the best-of-seven series at 2-games all.
Ronald Tubid came out of injury bay and contributed in a huge way. He not only provided the energy missing in those two setbacks but also plugged the hole left by the injured Jay-Jay Helterbrand.
Best Import awardee Chris Alexander also showed up for the first time in three games and dominated by shooting 22 points, grabbing 18 rebounds—10 of them offensive—and blocking two shots to lead the Kings.
Game 5 is scheduled Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
“I said it in jest,” Uichico later said, when reminded of his earlier pronouncement. “But of course, deep inside, we want it to get to a Game 6 because it would mean that we are there.”
Ginebra’s defense held the Express to a two-season low offensive output as the Kings regained the psychological edge in the series, which has now been reduced to a best-of-three affair.
It was the first time in their last 94 games that the Express failed to score 80 or more points.
“We just tied the series, we are just trying to survive,” Uichico added. “As a coach, you can’t ask anymore from these players. You can’t question their desire of wanting to play and wanting to win.”
Ginebra posted the convincing win with Mark Caguioa held to a championship-low 13 points and other big guns like Junthy Valenzuela and Eric Menk not coming up with their usual numbers.
“I think we really played bad tonight. Period,” said Air21 coach Bo Perasol. “We did not pass the ball that well and we had a lot of forced shots. It seemed that my players wanted that 3-1 lead so much.
“In that kind of yearning, you tend to try and take over the game,” he added. “We will be better on Friday. Good thing about this loss is that they were only able to equalize. The championship will start on Friday (tomorrow).”
The scores:
BARANGAY GINEBRA 90—Alexander 22, Pacana 14, Artadi 13, Caguioa 13, Valenzuela 9, Menk 7, Tubid 6, Salvacion 6, Escalona 0, Mamaril 0, Reavis 0, Crisano 0.
AIR21 77—Thomas 19, David 14, Santos 13, Billones 9, Arboleda 7, De Ocampo 4, Se 4, Espinas 3, Kramer 2, Intal 2, Canaleta 0.
Quarters: 19-17, 43-40, 68-60, 90-77.
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