Uichico hopes for Game 2 win sans injured Tubid, Artadi

From http://www.pba-online.net/forum/index.php/topic,71.90.html
By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, hampered by the absence of Ronald Tubid and burdened with a hamstring injury to spitfire Paul Artadi in Wednesday’s opening game against Air 21 Express, said he’ll try to find a way to keep their 13-game winning streak going.

This, as Uichico and the Gin Kings eye a 2-0 lead in Game 2 of what promises to be an exciting, freewheeling best-of-seven series in the Smart PBA Fiesta Conference on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Uichico will know during the pre-game round robin whether Artadi could somehow recover well enough to see action in Game 2. Uichico said Artadi “looked good and moved well” at practice and will be strapped for the game. Uichico said “if he feels good we’ll [let him] play.”

In Game 1, Artadi crashed on the floor in pain after scoring on a fast-break lay-up.

The Ginebra coach gave credit to Air 21 which came back strong after the loss of Artadi. The Express almost caught up even due to Artadi being sidelined.

Uichico said luck was on their side.

The Gin Kings mentor gave credit to Mark Caguioa's remarkable play and determination to win.

He also credited Chris Pacana for the defensive job he did on Air 21 shooting star Gary David who exploded only in the end game.

The Ginebra coach said he faces a major problem in mismatches which Air 21 can exploit.

“We are so short and have mismatches all over the place,” he said.

At the same time he lamented the absence of Tubid who is still recovering from a bad ankle injury. Tubid suited up in Game 1 but is unlikely to see action in the finals.