Barangay Ginebra Kings vs Air21 Express Highlights

December 05, 2008
Air21 vs. Ginebra (102 - 84)
Araneta Coliseum

Junthy Valenzuela vs KG Canaleta



Billy Mamaril Slam against Arwind Santos (no foul huh?)

Alex Crisano Slam (technical? c'mon, Kelly Wiliams, Gabe Norwood, and Arwind Santos slams that way as well)

Raffy Reavis Blocked Arwind Santos (foul?!)

Battle of the Champions (Barangay Ginebra Kings vs Sta. Lucia Realtors)

For photos, click here --> PF vs RB and BGK vs SLR Pictures

Last night was the first game of the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) for the 2008-2009 KFC Philippine Cup. Their first assignment, the reigning 2007-2008 All Filipino Cup Champions, the Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR). Hence, it would be Battle of the Champions -- AFC Champs vs the FiestaCon Champs. And I was very lucky to be watching the game live at the Araneta Coliseum.

Game 1 is between Purefoods TJ Giants (PF) and RedBull Barakos (RB). It was a nice game. The PF rallied from 16pt deficit to win the game 73-77, with Kerby 'The Kid' Raymundo as the Best Player of the Game wit 23 pts and 15 rebounds.

And now, the Battle of the Champions began. Everytime I watch PBA, of course with BGK on court, I feel the nervousness. And I bet, I'm not the only one. To make it worse, Mark Caguioa, Raffy Reavis, Billy Mamaril, and Junty Valenzuela can't make it on their first game. But, in my head, BGK can win it. Remember? They've done it last conference.

The SLR had a great start, leaving BGK 10-0 behind. The Araneta Coliseum had been silent for that moment. But guess what? It was Chris Pacana who made the first basket for BGK, and it was from the 3pt arc. I remember seeing him practice shooting from the 3pt area during their warm up. And most of his shots are good. And now, BGK is ready for the battle.

It was kinda frustrating when SLR gained their lead back at the end of the 1st half (35-45). I even saw Dennis Espino being interviewed before he returned to their dug out. But, as what all BGK fans have in common, we have the never say die spirit.

Come 3rd quarter, JayJay Helterbrand showed SLR why he had been hailed as the Best Player of the last Conference. He nailed back-to-back 3 points followed by a fastbreak layup. It was even kinda funny since he thought of even passing the ball to Ronald Tubid, probably he would want Tubid to have a slam dunk as an answer to Kelly Williams'. If I remember it right, Williams made 3 dunks, but those dunks ain't gonna gain 4pts each, haha. For those who missed it, here's the video:

I can barely hear myself from the crowd chanting GI-NE-BRA, GI-NE-BRA, GI-NE-BRA. I really love watching PBA, I really love watching BGK, I really love watching Chris Pacana.

In the dying minutes of the pay off period, you won't be able to guess who will chip in the win. Just a 3pt shot from SLR could turn the table around. Less than 2 minutes of the 4th Quarter, the SLR stops the clock by their 'dirty' fouls. Fortunately, they've chosen to foul JayJay and Paul Artadi who never missed their charities that time. Less than 5 seconds left, 88-86 in favor of BGK. Sunday Salvacion was on the line. He missed his first free throw. Making me think, a 3pt shot might break BGK fans hearts. Good that he made the second one. Kelly was about to attempt a 3pt shot to tie the ball game, but the buzzer rang even before he release the ball. BGK won, 86-89, with Artadi as the Best Player of the Game, 18pts, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Now, who is the real champion? Call it luck, I don't care. BGK won the battle, hence, BGK is the real champion. And I'm happy to witness it live.

Congrats BGK!!! Hope to see more of those exciting ball games.

JayJay, The Next MVP?

The poll I have in this blog for "who could be the next Most Valuable Player (MVP)?" is now over. Just in time before the annual awarding of the PBA this season. Landslide victory to my personal bet, JayJay "The Fast version 2.0" Helterbrand.

#1 Kelly Williams

Kelly Williams of Sta. Lucia Realtors (SLR) might have the edge for they won the All Filipino Cup this season. They even reached up to the Quarter Finals of the current Fiesta Conference. He as well soars as the Slam Dunk champ this year, probably because KG Canaleta is not around.

#2 Arwind Santos

Arwind Santos of Air 21 Express is one of the consistent players in the league. They would be battling with Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) for the Fiesta Conference Championship. Their last game of the Semis shows another revelation of why he is second in the current MVP race.

#3 Willie Miller

Willie Miller of Alaska Aces is the last year's MVP. Some says that he won the title since the star players were out for the Team Pilipinas. But seeing how he played this season convinces me that he has that MVP quality.

#4 JayJay Helterbrand

JayJay "The Fast" Helterbrand of BGK has been hailed 3 times as Player of the Week in a month. He has been one of those players who stepped up during the loss of Mark Caguioa. His semis stats shows that he's unstoppable. He can score. He can make a play for the open man. His average turnover is 1. Making him very hard to guard. Not to mention that he has been the Best Player of the Game and the TM 3 King for their 3 consecutive games at Semis.

#5 Kerby Raymundo

Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods TJ Giants might have the statistics for him to belong to the top 5. He is my 2nd personal choice. But seeing the way Purefoods play this conference, I see it clearly that he has less opportunity to make it.

Media and player votes are still to be casted before the MVP for the season be hailed. Could JayJay be the media's bet? Or could it be Kelly? Hmmmm... I really hope that it could be JayJay. I may be biased, but, I personally think that JayJay deserved to be honored as the season's MVP among others. He had lifted BGK from 0-5 to now, Finals. I just get disappointed when he seemed to loss his usual game on Game 4 of the Best of 7 Series against Red Bull. I am really saddened of his statistics. Makes me wonder, could he still won the MVP? Thania knew how much worried I am on that off night of JayJay. I cannot really rejoice on BGK's finals berth knowing it might affect JayJay's statistics. Thanks to her, she makes me smile.

Finals (Game 1) will start on Wednesday, I hope JayJay could still show why he is called "Faster than Ever". If only the votes here reflects the media and player votes, then, JayJay could really be the next MVP. I am really hoping, and praying, that the MVP award be given to JayJay. If not, to Arwind.