Sunday's Salvacion

Who would have thought Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) would win tonight? BGK is really missing Mark Caguioa (MC), but now, missing JayJay Helterbrand could be the worst nightmare. BGK might have survived last conference championship because it was only JayJay who cannot play. MC is still around then, and he was the one who got the crucial rebounds in Game 7 to enable BGK to grab the championship crown. Well, of course, not to mention all the other players who stepped up all conference long. But tonight, it was not only a furious-less ball game, it was a fast-less match as well. But, not really bad, Raffy Reavis is back and will play tonight.

In the 1st Quarter, Paul Artadi and Ronald Tubid, knowing that they are now the go-to guys of BGK, never disappoints the team and the fans as well. Paul, as always, got the speed to induce energy to the team. Although his easy layups do not gain him baskets, his speed and excellent ball handling is a key factor for keeping the team in shape. And how about Tubid? His fearless drive, jump shots, rebounds, defense, steals, uhm well, everything. He just makes BGK team cheer for joy. And even Coca-Cola Tigers was able to gain a 3-pt basket courtesy of Nick Belasco, of course, BGK will have its own version. And who would be the 3-pt shooter? No other than Sunday Salvacion. But wait, Tubid and Junthy Valenzuela also has their 3-pt versions. Even without the key players, BGK limited Coke to only 6 points in the 1st Quarter. Seems that they find it hard to play against BGK when JayJay's out. They just don't know who they should guard 'cause everyone's stepping up.

Speaking of stepping up, I won't definitely forget crediting Macky Escalona. His game had been really improving. It was a blessing for him when BGK's key players are missing. He had been given extra playing time, and he utilizes it to show everyone what he got. He, for me, is a great outside shooter. And while Coke is really finding it hard to gain a basket, BGK is finding it hard as well. But, BGK is a little luckier than Coke as Tubid once again chip in another 3-pt shot. But, it was too early for Coke to give up as Mark Macapagal and Ronjay Buenafe had their 3-pt shots to make their score 16 at the last 2-minute mark of the 2nd Quarter.

Come 3rd Quarter, the shooting of both teams are now finding their rhythm. Alex Cabagnot got his layup and 3 pt shot while Eric Menk had his perimeter shot. Coke was known to be coming back strong in the 3rd Quarter. And they live to it as Cabagnot got his 3 pt shot followed by the fastbreak points of RJ Lizada and Asi Taulava. But, Menk still got his shot. *wink wink* And just when Coke is cutting the lead of BGK to a single digit, Alex Crisano's fake, basket, and steal just extends the lead again to a double digit.

Ronjay opened the pay off period with a 3 pt shot cutting BGK's lead to only 6 pts. And his shot was followed by a lose ball foul committed by Tubid. *sigh* It was almost always like this. BGK will lead the ball game up to the 3rd quarter. Then in the 4th, you will always hold on to your feet that they could maintain their lead as the opponent is cutting the lead into a single possession. Good that the 3-pt shot by Enrile, cutting the lead to only 1, is answered by a 3-pt shot by, no other than, Salvacion. Not just one, but a back-to-back 3-pt shot. Who would have said that BGK could win tonight's ball game? In the last game of BGK against Coke, it was JayJay who scored the most needed points in the 4th Quarter. Hence, BGK is definitely missing his points. But, why should we miss it when Salvacion is not yet finished with his 3-pt shot. And Crisano still has to make his million dollar buzzer beater shot. And Willie Wilson still has to make his 3-pt play. *smug* However, Cabagnot still has the guts. He just made a back-to-back 3-pt shots, making BGK took care of only a 6 pt lead. But Sunday's here to save the day. Just in time when the last 2 minutes was announced, he once again had his 3-pt shot, earning his 21st point, only 1 pt shy of his career high last game against Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR). He does not only have his back-to-back 3 pt shots, but he also has his back-to-back Player of the Game citation. The game is definitely a Sunday's Salvacion.

The scores:

Ginebra 84 – Tubid 22, Salvacion 21, Wilson 9, Crisano 8, Valenzuela 7, Menk 6, Mamaril 4, Escalona 4, Artadi 3, Cabatu 0, Reavis 0.

Coca-Cola 77 – Telan 18, Cabagnot 15, Taulava 13, Buenafe 10, Belasco 9, Enrile 6, Macapagal 3, Rizada 2, Catli 0, Arigo 0, Dimaunahan 0.

Quarterscores: 21-6, 34-20, 56-48, 84-77

Purefoods TJ Giants Buzzer Beaters

I have been loving watching Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) games. Aside from Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK), I am a PF fanatic. Aside from Chris Pacana, I'm a Kerby Raymundo fan.

Well, I've collected three (3) of the most exciting ball games of PF. Their buzzer beaters. It would really make your body hair stand for excitement and happiness.

James Yap Buzzer Beater

He had done this many times before. And he did it once more. That's why he had been called 'The Big Game James'. It was PF vs Air21 Express on October 31, 2008. If you never know what PF can do, you might lose your hopes in the last minute of the 4th Quarter. It was 25 seconds remaining, Air21 had their 5 point lead (91-96). But Kerby, having his career high, never gave up yet. His 3 point shot provide greater hopes for the PF team. 15 seconds remaining, Air21 ball, 94-96. PF have no choice but to foul. They had fouled Gary David. Luckily, David missed one (1) of his two (2) charities, only extending the lead to 3 points (94-97), with 12.9 seconds remaining. Good it is that Enrico Villanueva had reached in for the rebound. PF has no time out left. Rico passed the ball to Chico Lanete. Chico crosses the half court and dished the ball to Jonathan Fernandez. Tan-Tan then gave the ball to Kerby. Kerby, with the clock winding down, makes a 3 point attempt, but his shot doesn't go. James battled for the rebound against Arwind Santos. He turned around, shoot the ball, and *kaboom*, he made a 3 pointer, extending the ball game for 5 more minutes. And all their efforts are worth it. They won the ball game, 108-105, with Kerby as the Best Player of the Game (BPG), having 37 big points and 11 big rebounds.

Chico Lanete Buzzer Beater

There's no Roger Yap for PF, so someone from the point guard (PG) position has to step up. And that would be, Chico this time. November 7, 2008, PF vs Talk N' Text Tropang Texters (TNT), 25.2 seconds remaining, 87-86 in favor of TNT. James has the leather, he passed it to Rico, then Rico passed it to Kerby. Only about 10 seconds left, Kerby take the shot, but he missed it. Rico battled for the lose ball, and gave it to Chico who had struggled for the ball as well against Mac-Mac Cardona. The moment he got a good grip of the leather, with only a second left, he just takes the shot, and he did it. A miracle shot from the all night hot, Chico Lanete. PF won, 88-87. And who else could be the BPG, yes, it's Chico. He has his career high of 24 big points, with 5/7 from the 3 point territory.

Enrico Villanueva Buzzer Beater

The most recent of the PF buzzer beater games was courtesy of Rico. It was PF vs San Miguel Beermen (SMB) on a PBA Sunday, November 23, 2008, my birthday. The score was 82-83 in favor of SMB with only 5.7 seconds remaining. Again, it was Kerby who made it possible for PF to reach this one. James, though having a high-fever, still played. Unfortunately, he can't deliver the points he used to contribute. It was 76-81 back on 2:44 minutes when Kerby hit a 3 pointer. Still anybody's ballgame. Not only that, Kerby made a back-to-back basket. He had a 3-point play opportunity, letting the PF to gain the lead, 82-81. But SMB won't give up. They have all the time to get the lead back, and all the stars of PBA, ha ha. Yes, SMB is an all-star studded team. And almost for the last 2 minutes, no one had earned a basket. Not until DonDon Hontiveros had his fade away shot, grabbing the lead 82-83 with 34.7 seconds remaining. It's PF's turn to turn the ball over. But, James had been called for an offensive foul against Mic Penisi who, as what the officials had said, already established his position. But believe me, Penisi is moving, it should not be an offensive foul. But, it was the break of the game. Only 30 seconds left, SMB ball. It was a bright idea for Coach Ryan Gregorio not to let his players commit a foul. Anyway, there would be 6 seconds left after the play to be executed by SMB. Luckily, SMB failed to get a basket, Penisi just throw an airball. With 5.7 seconds remaining, Coach Ryan called for a time out. And I just love what Coach Ryan had told his men, 'We'll gonna win this guys'. Yeah, that's my Coach. The play was designed for Kerby. He's the man of the hour. He was the one who scored the last 6 points of the team. But with the double, then triple defense of SMB, he can't get away to take the shot, but he got away to pass the ball to the free Rico underneath the basket to win the ball game. And yes, it was Kerby's night again. It was Kerby's birthday gift for me, hi hi. He got 25 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists. And, in case you don't know, he was still suffering from amoebiasis that night.

Enjoy! I love these games!

Kerby Raymundo Doing It the Michael Jordan Way

Finally, I was able to crop the video to showcase Kerby Raymundo's reverse layup. And that layup reminds me of Michael Jordan's number 1 move in his Top 10 Amazing moves.

PF vs Air21 (October 31, 2008)



MJ top 1 Amazing Moves

No MC This AFC?

It is not that surprising when Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) started the All Filipino Cup (AFC) without Mark Caguioa (MC). His knees, both knees, are injured and over used last conference where they won the championship.

But despite playing without MC, and whole lot more of the key players, the BGK managed to have won 3 out of its 9 games in the first round of the eliminations. Someone always step up in every game. The seem to be problem is that they doesn't have a deep bench to sustain the gas that they need in the pay off period.

In their 5 straight loses, almost everyone was wishing for the comeback of MC, or Junthy Valenzuela. So that an offensive player may be seen on the court. In these 5 games, it was always JayJay Helterbrand and Paul Artadi who seem to be the go-to guy of BGK. But, it seem not to be enough. In their game against Alaska Aces, they have all the chance to win. Their chance was even extended for 5 more minutes in the overtime period. But during that OT, JayJay nor Paul earn a basket. Coach Jong Uichico could have tapped someone else to supply the necessary energy, or spark, to win the game. But he opted to make JayJay and Paul stay, the result, BGK had their sorry loss.

Come last game of the first round of the eliminations, everyone where still hoping for MC's comeback, until Anthony Suntay mentioned last game that MC won't be coming back this AFC. The moment I hear this, well, bad news, a lot of things pops into my mind. I bet a lot would definitely miss MC, and his moves. But, I think that would be the cost of using MC last finals series even with knees hurting.

Well, MC is MC, and NO ONE CAN EVER REPLACE MC. But now that the BGK management just don't want to rush things on MC nursing his knees, we just have to face the reality of facing AFC without MC, hu hu hu.

As for me, a lot of players can help contribute in offense, Coach Jong just have to give them the license to shoot. JunJun Cabatu proven his talent beyond the arc in Game 2. Macky Escalona shown he has the perimeter shooting everytime he would be given the playing time. Chris Pacana showed that he does not only have the good defense, he as well can drive through the basket no matter how big the defense was. Well, Willie Wilson is proving how he can handle the leather and wisely gain a goal from the field. The rest of the BGK roster already proved their worth in offense. So, I guess, that would be it. Never Say Die. Play with a heart. And have the license to shoot.

I know, MC would have wanted his fans to stay cheering for BGK even he won't be playing, for this conference at least. So, let's just continue supporting our ever beloved BGK. Who knows, MC might have his surprise, and promise us once again, the CHAMPIONSHIP CROWN. Ü

Barangay Ginebra Kings Breaks the Spell at Lucena City

November 08, 2008
Lucena City
Coke vs BGK (77-81)

It is the first out-of-town game of the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) for this conference. Hoping that the 5 game losing skid would be broken this time around. What was happening to BGK is almost similar to what happened last conference. They started 0-5, then 2-7, then finally was able to make a Quarter Finals berth, and of course, winning the championship. It was because of the chemistry created by their import, Chris Alexander to the team. Now, I was believing that the 2-5 standing of BGK will be revived and game win streak will be up next. If before it was Alexander, now, it would be Mark 'The Spark' Caguioa, who until now is still nursing his injury in the states. I'm waiting for his return, and his promise -- I'm telling you, we'll go to the championship!

But, Caguioa isn't around yet. So, who could be the hero for tonight? Well, Coca Cola Tigers is a great team. I admire a couple of their players -- Alex Cabagnot and Ronjay Buenafe (my bet last season for Rookie of the Year (ROY)). Not to mention Asi Taulava, who I wished belong to the BGK roster. But, with the never say die spirit of BGK, we will win tonight's ball game.

What's new? 8-0 in favor of Coke. BGK almost always have the poor start. Seem to be living to the spirit of a hero. JayJay Helterbrand just can't get his rhythm in the 1st Quarter. He, I believe, has 0/3 in the 3 point arc. But guess who saved the day -- no other than CHRIS PACANA. Sweet revenge? Yeah, the sweetest, to his former team. Ü I was really laughing when Pacana and Willie Wilson are the ones who fought for the defensive rebound, causing Pacana to sit on the floor. Then in the succeeding play, in the offense, a missed shot was tipped in by Pacana. A whistle was blown by the officials. But, it was just an inadvertent whistle since the play was actually a foul of Wilson, again, against Pacana, ha ha. Letting me capture this sweet smile from Pacana.



Almost all of his basket came from offensive rebounds. He out powered the big men of Coke. Standing 6'1", he just became unstoppable in the minutes when he is badly needed. He was the one in-charge in defending John Arigo, one of Coke's star players.

Come 2nd Quarter, Helterbrand is beginning to feel his phase. Though missing his backcourt tandem, he felt that he should carry BGK in his broad shoulders. And he never failed the team. I remembered, in the game against Red Bull Barakos (RB), it was Pacana's night. In the game against Alaska Aces, it was Helterbrand's night. In the game against Rain or Shine, it was Eric Menk's night. If only they had their nights simultaneously, I believe, BGK would be leading the season's elimination round.

One of the most awaited match up then was between Taulava and Alex Crisano. They never disappointed the fans. Crisano had been a crowd favorite ever since he came in BGK line up. As what the commentators are telling, whether he turns the ball over or not, he just get the loudest cheer. Merely checking in for someone, he receives the loudest applause. Whenever they bumped under the basket, everyone's on their feet. But what's nice in their match up, was, they still manages to smile. And for them, it was, I think, for fun.

There it goes, 1st Half ended with 46-29 in favor of BGK. But, I still hold on to my feet. I remember last game of Coke against RB where they bounce back from a 2-digit deficit, having Cabagnot as the Best Player of the Game (BPG). And yes, the battle ain't over.

And just what I am so much afraid to happen, Coke manages to cut the lead to a single digit at the end of the 3rd Quarter 61-56, even without Arigo on the floor. Arigo earlier hurt his knees, making it swollen. I remember I am talking to television, saying, 'Cabagnot, not now', ha ha ha. I know he's good, but don't show how great you are during this game.

Coke had tied the ball game. They even had their lead in the pay off period. But with the hustle of Paul Artadi and Helterbrand they had had more touches of the leather. Menk as well gained the basket that is badly needed from him in the last 3 minutes of the quarter. You bet, Helterbrand had been the hero of the game. His nothing but net baskets in the dying seconds of 4th quarter breaks the heart of the Tigers. And finally, BGK breaks the spell (5 game losing skid) at Lucena City. And the BPG, no other than, Caguioa?



Just kidding! Helterbrand seemed to mimic Caguioa's looks. It was Pacana's 1st Quarter, Menk's 4th Quarter, and Helterbrand's night.

Scores:

Brgy. Ginebra 81 - Helterbrand 28, Tubid 8, Salvacion 8, Artadi 8, Pacana 8, Menk 6, Mamaril 4, Crisano 4, Escalona 4, Wilson 2, Cabatu 1, Holper 0.

Coca-Cola 77 - Belasco 22, Taulava 19, Cabagnot 13, Catli 9, Macapagal 6, Telan 4, Calimag 2, Arigo 0, Baguion 0, Dimaunahan 0.

Quarterscores: 21-18, 46-29, 61-56, 81-77

Purefoods Survived Despite Unbelievable Calls from the Officials

I never watched Game 1. I am only watching Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) and Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) games. My friend, whom I treated as my younger sister asked me to update her of the game since she won't be ablt to watch it. And it's my pleasure updating her.

To my surprise, James Carlos Yap will be playing. News had told that he might not play due to injury. As what the commentators said, two Yaps (James and Roger) are missing. But not this time. J. Yap is there to play.

PF had a poor start. Air21 Express showcased a full court press. They had their, uhm, good defense. First Quarter ended with 15-22 in favor of Air21. I thought PF would lead at the Second Quarter with 35-32 in favor of Air21 before the Quarter ends. But, it was so disappointing since it ended 37-43, still, in favor of Air21.

But my hopes ain't over. I felt good when they tied at 53 despite the dirty defense exhibited by Air21. It even become more exciting since it was Kerby Raymundo who make the basket for the lead. It was a 3 point play for him. Seems like the momentum was now in PF. Homer Se just had an air ball after PF got the lead. Not just that, Air21 had committed a lot of fouls, ha ha. Not only players, but Coach Bo Perasol as well. *wink wink* It is not surprising. Perasol and Air21 is used to it, ha ha. It was 72-66 in favor of PF at the end of Third Quarter.

Now, this one's unbelievable. Team manager Alvin Patrimonio was called for a technical foul? Say what?! Oh well, how could Patrimonio not react to the offensive foul called against Enrico Villanueva when it was supposed to be a 3-point play. Hmmm, smells something fishy huh? I just can't believe it. I just said 'booooooooooooooo'. That technical foul was followed by three more technicals. One for Coach Ryan Gregorio who did nothing, and two for Topex Robinson. Topex made me laugh, ha ha. He, himself asked for the second technical foul from the referee. And he was ejected from the game. No R. Yap, now, no Topex. It was all Chico Lanete. And know what? Lanete was pushed by Wynne Arboleda, no foul. Making Arboleda shot a 3 point basket. Then showed his tongue. Grrrr..

But, I admired PF team. Despite unbelievable and almost one-sided calls, they managed to stay focused. It was 80 all with 4 minutes remaining in the Fourth Quarter. 89-86 in favor of Air21 with 1:38 minutes left. Still everybody's ballgame. I can't remember who made the basket, but it was 89-88 in favor of Air21 with 1:16 minutes left. The ball game was so exciting. It was 92-91 in favor of Air21 with only 40 seconds left. Kerby now has 32 big points. I almost gave up. It was 96-91 with only 23.5 seconds remaining. But Kerby never let me down. He just scored a 3 pointer to make it 96-94. Whew! In the last play before the end of the pay off period, it was 97-94 in favor of Air21. PF has no time out left. Kerby attempted another 3 point shot but failed to gain the basket. But J. Yap had the offensive rebound against Arwind Santos with about 3 seconds left. He had his turn around 3 point shot, and it was a tie ball game at the end of the 4th Quarter. This was the 3rd game where PF would be playing for an Over Time.

It was all because of Kerby and J. Yap. It's our night. Aaron Aban stand out as well for me, in defense particularly. It was 105-100 in favor of PF with 1:27 minutes remaining. 105-103 with 58.6 seconds remaining. 108-103 with 14.9 seconds remaining courtesy of the should be flagrant foul of Arboleda, but was called as a regular foul instead. 108-105 with 3.7 seconds remaining, PF's ball, and... we won!!!

And who could be the Best Player of the Game? None other than Kerby 'The Kid' Raymundo who scored almost 1/3 of the PF's score. Double-Double, 37 big points and 11 rebounds. Congrats Kerby!!! Congrats J. Yap!!! Congrats PF!!!

Scores:

Purefoods 108 -- Raymundo 37, Yap J. 31, Villanueva 13, Lanete 7, Aban 7, Belga 4, Fernandez 4, Simon 3, Alonzo 2, Salvador 0, Robinson 0.

Air21 103 -- Arboleda 25, Se 25, David 21, Santos 18, De Ocampo 4, Quinahan 3, Billones 3, Kramer 2, Intal 2, Canaleta 2, Cruz 0, Sta. Maria 0.

Quarterscores: 15-22, 37-43, 72-66, 97-97 (reg.), 108-105 (OT)