PBA has a big problem, no thanks to Ginebra

THE MOST intriguing question out in Ongpin (Chinatown) last Friday did not involve Mayor Alfredo Lim and how the tough-talking city executive could survive the screaming challenge of former President Joseph Estrada in yesterday’s midterm polls.

Majority of street people were worried about Barangay Ginebra, the people’s team.

After taking Game 1 in its semifinal series against powerhouse Talk ‘N Text, Ginebra got beaten two in a row. It tottered on the brink of elimination.

Two waiters behind the glass door of the popular Ling Nam Noodle Parlor on Alonso Street talked serious basketball.

“Mukhang tagilid ang Ginebra mamaya (I fear for Ginebra),” said waiter No. 1.

“Diyan naman magaling ‘yan, sa huling pukpukan (But Ginebra is at its greatest in do-or-die situations),” assured waiter No. 2.

* * *

Some four hours before last Sunday’s PBA game at Smart Araneta Coliseum, featuring Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text (tied 2-all) in their culminating clash for a slot in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, this reporter received an urgent text message from a missing old friend.

“Pwede po, could I ask for five tickets tonight,” went the frantic message.

“No way, it’s way too late, kailangan at least a day before the game,” came the honest reply.

No problem, explained my long-missing friend. He also promised to call back if Ginebra beats the TNT team and breaks into the Finals against resurgent Alaska.

* * *

Of course, there’s a problem, a big one.

In my case, I could either play sick or shut off the cellphone.

But the PBA is in a dilemma. In fact, practically everybody involved with the pro league, from the commissioner down to the resurgent ticket scalpers, are frantically mulling how they could cope with the problem of instant over-population.

“We were already packed up, over 20,000 a night during the semifinals, paano na ito ngayon, Tsong?” cried a male staff at the PBA media office.

Look, if any team other than Ginebra is in the Finals (that starts on Wednesday) against Alaska, league fathers and managers could afford to relax and ration off tickets.

Not anymore. Based on the clamor for game passes at the Mandaluyong City market yesterday, each and every game in the Ginebra-Alaska Finals will be enjoyed and lapped up, like a live Manny Pacquiao match of the recent past.

* * *

There were some disgruntled claims that Ginebra made it back to the Finals centerstage after a long absence allegedly on the injuries suffered by Ranidel de Ocampo, Jimmy Alapag, and Jared Dillinger, Talk ‘N Text vital cogs.

But, for the sake of precision, worried league  organizers should point a happy finger at tiny LA Tenorio, the certified spitfire who appeared to have grown wings in the homestretch of Sunday’s unusually easy duel with vaunted Talk ‘N Text.

There were other claims that Ginebra had indeed appeared headed straight to the Finals after that incredible survival against the rugged, muscling team Rain or Shine.  In that unforgettable windup, Rain or Shine, down by only a goal, flubbed three open attempts, two of them undergoal shots, in the final eight seconds of the match.

In the final analysis, though, there should be no missing the renewed grit, order and brilliance woven into the people’s team by coach Alfrancis Chua.

OK, there’s a problem on how to start off the Finals series on Wednesday with fans being locked out in the cold.

Maybe they should call in the inimitable Gary Granada to render the Ginebra anthem: “Pagbigyan na niyo ako, paminsan minsan lang ito …”

And no storming the gates, please.