Barangay Ginebra Kings Nailed Down Red Bull Barakos

Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) will still be missing JayJay Helterbrand's service in tonight's ball game. But, it never really matter at all now. BGK, just like last conference, always have someone from their roster to step-up and save the team. In the last two (2) games, it was Sunday Salvacion. And sometimes, missing a key player had been an advantage. The opponent would be puzzled on whom they should defend well. They won't readily determine who will be the go-to guy of the BGK. On the other hand, Mike Holper traded to RB for 2011 draft pick is something to be sad about.

But, it is not Sunday everyday. In the 1st Quarter, Salvacion had 1/5 in the 3 point arc. And another but -- Junthy Valenzuela, although still nursing his left knee, contributed a couple of points with his amazing moves -- moves he mastered when he was still with Red Bull Barakos (RB). I just love the way he makes that basket against three (3) RB defenders. Also, there's the intelligent player, Willie Wilson, as what the commentator had said.

I'm really admiring Macky Escalona. He had been inducing the same energy as what Paul Artadi is doing with his own speed and hassle play. He is a great outside shooter, but he, as well, is brave in driving through the basket over much taller defenders. But while Salvacion had been continually missing his 3 point shots, Leo Najorda of RB had been nailing his three 3-pointers. But fate's in BGK's side as they ended the 2nd Quarter 43-36 in their favor.

In the 3rd Quarter, BGK still held RB down as Ronald Tubid scored his 1st 3 point basket while Paul Artadi had his back to back basket as he drive towards the goal. After struggling with his 3 point shooting, Salvacion finally nailed, not just one, but two 3 point shots in this quarter. But Cyrus Baguio really has to be commended for his great defense. He blocked Escalona and Valenzuela in a row. He as well made Artadi turn the ball over. But it is not enough. BGK's lead grow up to 14 big points at the end of the Quarter.

Can't help but commend Escalona. He doesn't lose his confidence even he had been blocked twice this ball game. If he can't do it underneath the basket, might do it in the perimeter. And after being blocked, he had his steal, and his back to back perimeter shots in the pay off period. And I believe this has also been a pay off period for Tubid. Remember in their first encounter, Tubid had been ejected for being called for 2 flagrant fouls penalty 1 in the 1st half. He had nailed another 3 point shot in this quarter. Just when RB thought they would grab the lead with their 15-3 run, Eric Menk's basket, Valenzuela's 3 point shot, and Artadi's steals won't let it happen. BGK is holding on to an 8 point lead in the last 2 minutes of the final quarter when Tubid chipped in another 3 point shot, breaking RB's hopes to steal the win. Yes, Tubid had his sweet revenge, as he is the Best Player of the Game (BPG) with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists nailing RB down of the team standings. On the other hand, would like to congratulate Holper for his career high in his new team.

The scores:

Barangay Ginebra 83 - Tubid 15, Salvacion 15, Valenzuela 12, Artadi 10, Menk 8, Escalona 6, Cabatu 5, Wilson 5, Crisano 4, Reavis 2, Mamaril 1.

Red Bull 76 - Baguio 16, Najorda 11, Holper 9, Hubalde 8, Rodriguez 7, Sharma 6, Cruz 5, Chan 4, Ybanez 3, Hrabak 3, Duncil 2, Espinas 2.

Quarterscores: 23-22, 43-36, 66-52, 83-76.