===--
Alex Crisano
Billy Mamaril
Jeff Gloger
Macky Escalona
Paul Artadi
Ronald Tubid
Sunday Salvacion
Willie WilsonAgain, I was not able to watch the Quarter Finals Game between the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) and the San Miguel Beermen (SMB). Thus, I have no other recourse but to ask my friends to keep me posted. Nonetheless, I have the feeling that BGK will grab tonight's ballgame.
I felt kinda uncomfortable knowing that SMB leads in the first few minutes of the game. It was even more disappointing knowing the Chris Pacana had committed 3 personal fouls with so many time remaining in the 2nd Quarter. SMB continues to take charge of the driver's seat until Ronald Tubid hit a shot from downtown, making it at 30 all with 8minutes remaining in the 1st half. This 3 pointer had been succeeded by many other, letting BGK grab the lead at 37-36 with 5minutes remaining at the half. Sheer heart, that is, BGK ended the first half at 48-41.
At the 3rd Quarter, BGK continues to shine with their 3 pointers as Paul Artadi hits his own version of the arc, making the score at 54-41. It was as well complemented by a back to back steal by JayJay Helterbrand. Almost everyone contributed. Willie Wilson and Billy Mamaril made a field goal each to make it 58-41 in their favor. BGK's lead ballooned to 14 big points (68-52) forcing Coach Siot Tanquincen to commit a technical foul. BGK ended the 3rd Quarter with a commanding lead of 7 points (70-63).
But SMB showed BGK how important a deeper bench in this kind of series. They tied the ballgame at 70 all with less than 10minutes remaining in the pay off period. It has been a seesaw battle between the 2 sister companies. SMB, once again, grab the lead (85-82) in the last 2 minutes mark of the quarter. But, as what Tubid had said in their 2nd game of the eliminations, their hearts are much bigger, regaining the lead 90-88 with only 6.6 seconds remaining. It is indeed a pulsating ballgame. At the end, it was Tubid's heart that prevailed. BGK won 91-88. They forced SMB to play game 3 for a do or die game Sunday.
The scores:
Barangay Ginebra 91 - Tubid 19, Helterbrand 15, Menk 15, Salvacion 11, Valenzuela 9, Mamaril 8, Artadi 6, Wilson 5, Cabatu 3, Escalona 0, Pacana 0, Crisano 0.
San Miguel Beer 88 - Hontiveros 35, Seigle 12, Pena 10, Custodio 9, Tugade 9, Pingris 4, Washington 3, Gonzales 3, Racela 2, Pennisi 1.
Quarterscores: 22-26, 48-41, 70-63, 91-88.
My memory is still clear of the last games of the eliminations last conference. Game 1 then was between the Red Bull Barakos (RB) and the Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR). Before that game began, Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) still has the chance to make it to the outright semis spot. But, SLR was tooooooo lazy to catch for their win. They could have won the game, tsk tsk tsk. Then there's karma, ha ha ha. I bet you know what happened to SLR last conference. The following match was BGK against the Alaska Aces. The winner of the game would clinch the Quarter Finals berth while the other team would have to make it to the wild card phase. And yes, BGK won! They landed the 3rd spot after the double round eliminations.
It was dejavu! History repeats itself. Game 1 was between Talk N' Text Tropang Texters (TNT) and Air21 Express. The 2nd slot for the outright semis is still open. Not until TNT grabbed the win with just a hairstrand. Come Game 2, BGK vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (RoS), a BGK win would let them grab the quarter finals berth. And a loss for them would mean a chance for RoS to battle TNT for the outright semis berth. But, as what others are mentioning, BGK might have a depleted line up, but BGK has the biggest heart of all. It is very evident how the crowd can make things happen, most especially if it is a crucial game. Thus, just like last conference, BGK landed the 3rd spot after the double round eliminatinos.
What's more amazing for BGK was, they repeated not only landing the 3rd spot, but they repeated starting at the cellar, ha ha. Yes, probably, most of the non-BGK fans are laughing their hearts out at the start of the conference, since BGK find it real hard to make it to the upper half of the standings. They even mentioned that there'll be no more Chris Alexander to help the team have the 13 win streak. But hey, BGK fans are now laughing their hearts out, ha ha. There might be no Alexander this time, but we have Billy Mamaril (slamming against Arwind Santos' face), Jun Jun Cabatu (raining 3s), Raffy Reavis (blocking Santos), Macky Escalona (shooter), Junthy Valenzuela (the moves), JayJay Helterbrand (raining 3s as well), Paul Artadi (energy inducer), Chris Pacana (intelligent defender), Willie Wilson (Dennis Rodman, Philippine version), Eric Menk (the MVP), Alex Crisano (the crowd favorite), Ronald Tubid (defense & offense guy), and Sunday Salvacion (the 3-pt warrior). Feels great to be a BGK fanatic.
Everything's said:
History Repeats Itself for the Barangay Ginebra Kings
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.
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
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
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
I was so lucky that I have my BGK Jamships. With them, I can now often watch PBA live, hihi. Last night, I was there at the Big Dome to witness the game between Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) and San Miguel Beermen (SMB).
We arrived before the end of 3rd Quarter of the First Game (Coca Cola Tigers vs Sta. Lucia Realtors). I cheered for Coke, since I don't like SLR. It was a close ball game. Even at the last seconds of the 4th Quarter, it was still everybody's ball game. It was 83-82 in favor of SLR, Coke's ball with less than 30 seconds left. They had the chance to win the game with just a 2 pointer. However, the shot of Nick Belasco, if I remembered it right, didn't go in. Luckily, Coke got the rebound, they had at least 4 chances to win the game. I even cheered for Ronjay Buenafe who is great from the 3 point arc, as well as Mark Macapagal. But, they just can't get the basket. A sorry loss for them. I remember they lost the same 1 point deficit against Talk N' Text.
Now, the long wait is over. The crowd started cheering as the players of BGK entered the hardcourt, and I do to, as I saw my favorite PBA player. Me and my friend started taking pictures of 'em. Lot's of pictures. I felt touched when I saw JayJay Helterbrand hugged Coach Siot Tanquinsen. Honestly, even with a depleted line up, I hoped that BGK would win the game. I just said to myself, it's 22 today, Chris' jersey is 22, his performance last game was excellent, I hope this time, he would be hailed as the Best Player of the Game.
BGK had a poor start against the star-studded SMB. But my hopes are still high. BGK almost always have their opponent lead at around 10-15 points at the 1st half, only to break their hearts in the end game.
Funny, but, I just cheered for Chris Pacana, Ü I clearly remember how he passes the ball to Willie Wilson. It was the KFC Delivery Assist of the Quarter (1st Quarter). It was simply magnificent. Oh, I really saw how selfless he is of the leather. To shoot the ball was not always an option when he knew there were 'shooters' inside the hardcourt. Makes me admire him more each game. *wink wink*
Ha ha, I remember my cellphone slipped away from me when he scored his first 2 points. Then I uttered, "oh, it's my cellphone" (laugh). He had a back-to-back basket at that time, courtesy of his steal. Know what? He was now the league leader in steals together with SLR's Ryan Reyes. See? That's how intelligent defender Chris is.
In my Chris Pacana entitled post, I mentioned that I never knew a point guard who can really block. Well, he did it again this time. And you can hear the crowd saying 'wooooooooooo', and I'm one of 'em. Ü
However, no matter how BGK played the game, every basket was answered by SMB with 3 point shots; and, every turn over was answered as well by field goals. The result, 118-89. I thought CP22 would be the BPG since it's October 22; but, BGK standings became 2-2 instead. However, eventhough BGK lost, I don't feel sad at all. Anyway, it was too early to mourn right? At the same time, Mark Caguioa ain't around yet. But behind all these, I was just glad that Chris' game kept on improving. My prayers are answered, and my sacrifices for his career are worth it. Go Chris, no matter what, I would still be cheering for you. God Bless your career. Ü
My cousin was really encouraging me to watch tonight's ball game. He would even treat me with court side ticket (generous, huh?), just for me to come. But, I don't know, I said 'NO'.
Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) battled with the Red Bull (RB) Barakos, still, with a depleted line up. I was not able to watch the first few minutes of the game. Thanks to my ever-loving friends who updated me of what's happening while I was still on my way home. They've told me how JayJay Helterbrand sink in two 3 pointers. And I said, wow, it would be raining 3's again for BGK. But, a bad news had been sent to me, Ronald Tubid was called for a flagrant foul penalty 1. I really can't give comments since I was not able to see the play. All I know was it was against Rich Alvarez.
Luckily, I got home before the 1st Quarter was over. It was a seasaw battle for the 2 teams, until Tubid was ejected, being called for foul for second motion (sorry, poor memory, I can't remember if it was a technical foul or flagrant foul). Mark Caguioa, Raffy Reavis, and Billy Mamaril were not present. And now, Tubid was ejected. *sigh* How can BGK possibly win this one?
I really hate RB. From the coach to the players. For me, they had their dirty reputation, ha ha. I could have like Cyrus Baguio, only if he is not from RB. I simply hate the way they play. From Celino Cruz to Jojo Duncil to Gabby Espinas. Sorry to their fans, I just don't like the way RB plays. I have watched the 2nd Quarter, and who's that guy again? Paulo Hubalde? Oh, i'm sorry, I don't really know him. Is he a rookie? Well, I really don't care. He was just so, so bad. He has his back to back fouls, ha ha. He was about to stop JayJay's fastbreak in the dirty way. Oh it could have injured JayJay badly. Then, the following play had made the officials call for an offensive foul against him. His looks shows his attitude, bad! Ooops forgot to include dirty!
I can see the frustration in JayJay. It was his off night. I remember he had fired a 3 pointer that doesn't even reach the basket. Almost all of them, actually, had their off night. Sunday Salvacion's open 3 point shots just don't chip in. He only made 2 out of 6 attempts. Same with JunJun Cabatu, last game's hero, who has 2/7 3pt FG. Alex Crisano, Paul Artadi, Junthy Valenzuela, and Eric Menk were all having hard time in easy and open baskets.
But RB doesn't get away with the win easily. BGK is well known for their never say die attitude. And this attitude was exhibited by Willie Wilson. He had 10 big points, 3/3 FG and 4/4 FT. Perfect! Tubid was ejected, which, in turn gave Chris Pacana more playing minutes. I simply love the way he played. In every game, he would always dive for the lose ball. I am really cheering each time he would earn a basket, either from the field or from the free throw line. He never let me give up in the dying minutes with his excellent defense. He totaled 5 steals and 9 rebounds. I just said to myself, he could have been the Best Player of the Game if BGK won. But then again, BGK lost. Never the less, it just feels great. He shows what he can do for BGK. He had 18 big points. Hope to see more of those kind in the next games.
The scores:
Red Bull 100 -- Espinas 18, Baguio 15, Sharma 14, Hubalde 12, Alvarez 12, Rodriguez 8, Chan 7, Cruz 6, Duncil 5, Membrere 3, Najorda 0, Hrabak 0.
Ginebra 94 -- Helterbrand 22, Pacana 18, Salvacion 12, Wilson 10, Cabatu 8, Crisano 8, Artadi 6, Menk 6, Tubid 4, Escalona 0, Holper 0, Valenzuela 0.
Quarterscores: 30-22, 51-39, 70-62, 100-94
