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Alex Crisano
Billy Mamaril
Jeff Gloger
Macky Escalona
Paul Artadi
Ronald Tubid
Sunday Salvacion
Willie WilsonMy 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
I am already missing my favorite player, Chris Pacana, as well as his teammates. The next conference, All Filipino Cup, is to start October 4, 2008. Still half a month. So, I just have to watch the videos I've downloaded of their previous games to somewhat relieve the feeling, haha. Good thing, some of the Barangay Ginebra Kings players had indulged themselves into some other stuff, aside from their first love, basketball. And I would like everyone to know what I'm talking about, here you go.
BGK in GO Bingo
For those who failed to watch Go Bingo, like me, here you go. Junthy Valenzuela, Paul Artadi, and Ronald Tubid of Barangay Ginebra Kings are the guest players. Paul Artadi won Php 303,000.00
Just proceed in the 11:45 mark of the video. For those who are unable to view the video here, try viewing the video at Hayag.com
As Barangay Ginebra sweeps the Best of 3 Series of the Quarter Finals, could it also mean "Kelly would bid goodbye to MVP?"
So sad I failed to watch the game. Thanks to my dear friends, Patrice, Thania, and Rochelle, for keeping me posted. Thanks also to captainlionheart16 who posted the game in YouTube immediately. I downloaded the videos and watched it, along with the commercials. :)
SLR played without their import. Does it make sense? In Game 1, they have their import, BGK wins. Now, they played without Lee Benson, BGK again, wins. Now it makes sense. (brag!)
1st Quarter
It's raining outside. Might have been brought by Typhoon Helen. But hey, it's also raining 3s in Ynarez. 2/2 each for JayJay and MC and 1/1 each for Junthy and Sunday in the 3 point area. Oh well, not to mention this statistic mentioned by the commentators - "Conquering Kings have beaten the Realtors in 11 of their last 13 meetings dating back to the 2005-06 Fiesta Conference"
2nd Quarter
3 points galore. BGKs raining 3s ain't over. 1/3 for JayJay, 1/2 each for MC and Sunday, and 1/1 for Junthy. To add some spice, Artadi and JayJay had a steal each. Nice, very nice game. Kelly? Hmm.. trying soooooo hard to run the race against BGK, ending the first half 43-56 in favor of the kings.
3rd Quarter
Hmmm.. SLR might have prepared themselves in guarding Cris Alexander in the paint. But, they failed to prepare themselves from guarding BGK from the 3 point arc. Junthy had 1/2 in the 3 point area. What else does BGK got? They have the 3s and steals (Artadi made another one this quarter). Alexander brings Ynarez down with his dunk. Adding up with his block against Espino as well as Reavis' block against Williams. The Kings' 7-game win streak is the longest this conference. That stats is as of the 3rd Quarter. Let's make that 8-game win streak to make this game count :D
4th Quarter
Game 1, JayJay is really out of sync. But in Game 2, he was sizzling... Jump shot, 3 points, lay ups, free throws, assists, and steals. Whew... Okay, done with the 3s. Let's have steals. A piece each for JayJay, Artadi, and Reavis. Reavis' steal passed to Artadi, passed to MC, and finally passed to Alexander for a dunk (Kaboom!). Now, it's time for the bench players to show off what they've got. Escalona's time to shine. Career high for him, 8 points in 2 minutes. (Smug!)
Nice, very nice, very very nice game. 113-85, Paul Artadi as the Best Player of the Game, 12 points, 11 assits, 6 steals, all personal conference high. BGK advances to the Semis. They would be facing RedBull on Sunday.
Now that SLR is off the conference, could Kelly still win the MVP? Or will Arwind Santos of Air 21 grab the statistical lead from him? Oh wait, there's JayJay on the 4th rank that could be a contender as well. Although the championship won by SLR in the All Filipino Cup really is a great point for Kelly, nothing's impossible. Their averages are so close that anything could happen. Let's just wait and see. As for now, we just have to celebrate for BGK's win!!!
*** For those who would want a copy of the game, just post your comment, I'll send it to you. :)
