Eric Menk's Sweet Revenge Against Aces

This is another out of town game for the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) against the Alaska Aces. In their last out of town game, in Lucena City, they won against the Coca Cola Tigers and Chris had been creditted for stepping up.

BGK had a great start. Their defense is working against the Aces and their offense is on their side, especially Paul Artadi whose perimeter shots are working, making it 8-0 (BGK) after 3 minutes of playing time. Well, Artadi owned the 1st Quarter, he scored 7 pts with one (1) 3 pointer and a great pass to Eric Menk in the 5 minute mark of the Quarter. Howerver, Aces had patiently made their offense work as they grab the lead 24-18 at the end of the Quarter.

In the 2nd Quarter, it was Pacana's perimeter shot that made the scored tied at 26 all. But the Aces was just so great that they keep on leading the game. When Menk was blocked by Sonny Thoss, I reminisced their first encounter when BGK has all the chances to win but that block of Thoss just extended the game to 5 more minutes. And yes, BGK lost the game that night. There was a little chaos in this quarter where Jeffrey Cariaso committed a flagrant foul penalty 1 against Artadi. While Menk and Coach Tim Cone were called for a technical foul each for verbal altercation. But with Sunday Salvacion's back-to-back 3 point shots, they ended the quarter 40-36 (Aces).

In the first minutes of the 3rd Quarter, Aces just kept on nailing BGK down as Willie Miller's 3 pointer in the 8 minute mark makes the lead into 10 big points (51-41). But, with the never say die attitude of BGK, this is not yet a time to give up. And I stood up from my feet when Pacana had his ringless 3-pt shot. Vince 'The Prince' Hizon, who was the commentator for this ballgame commented that Pacana can actually do that. He even mentioned that he played with Pacana even before he joined PBA, and that he advised Pacana to work with his jumpshots, and he is really working with it. And another 3-pt shot of JayJay Helterbrand makes the lead down to a single point. It was really a great team whenever Helterbrand and Pacana were in the floor at the same time. Until finally, BGK grab the lead courtesy of Menk, muscling out 3 opponents plus a foul (65-61). Menk had been the focal offense for BGK at this quarter.

But the Major Pain ain't finish yet. As Menk gains another difficult basket to open the 4th Quarter. Artadi's jumpshots ain't finish yet as well as he scored a 3 pointer in the 6 minute mark of the quarter. And when it is a tight ballgame, defense is the key to win. So, here's Ronald Tubid to save the day. He caused Miller to commit a travelling violation with his outstanding defense. As the game approached its last 2 minutes, Reynel Hugnatan had his basket making the score 81-80 (BGK). With only 41 seconds remaining in the pay off period, LA Tenorio committed an offensive foul, nullifying Miller's shot. It was a pulsating ball game, Aces on top, 82-81. When suddenly the time stopped when Tubid jammed the ball between the backboard and the rim, forcing a jump ball. Luckily, with Helterbrand's hussle, he got the jump ball, but unfortunately, he missed the lay up. But the Major Pain is there to save the day. It was 83-82 in favor of BGK with only 24 seconds left in the last quarter. And since defense is badly needed in the next play, Coach Jong Uichico called for Pacana's service. Less than 10 seconds remaining, Aces ball, 84-82 (BGK). Aces has the chance to tie or win the game. But, BGK has the defensive stoppers in the floor, Tubid, Pacana, and Reavis. The ball can't go to Miller's hands due to Tubid's tight defense forcing the in bound to be given to Tenorio. But Reavis long arms intercepted the ball and Helterbrand completed the steal.

BGK won the game. And this was just Menk's sweet revenge from their sorry loss in their first encounter. He got 17 pts and 11 rebounds.

The scores:

Barangay Ginebra 84 – Menk 17, Artadi 16, Tubid 10, Helterbrand 9, Mamaril 9, Pacana 8, Salvacion 7, Reavis 6, Wilson 2, Cabatu 0, Escalona 0, Crisano 0.

Alaska 82 – Miller 20, Hugnatan 14, Thoss 14, Cariaso 11, Tenorio 11, Devance 9, Fonacier 3, Sotto 0, Dela Cruz 0, Ferriols 0.

Quarterscores: 18-24; 36-40; 67-66; 84-82.

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.