Chris Pacana

Finally, after a long time of waiting, I've seen Chris Pacana once more on the playing court. Too bad that Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) need to lead for about 40 points before he was sent on the hard court. Chico Lanete and Cyrus Baguio had been given all the playing minutes, while Paul Artadi had been given too li'l, and Pacana had not been given at all. *sigh*

Anyways, I'm still glad to see Pacana playing once more. I hope, in the semis, he would be sent on the hard court for his intelligent defensive stop. And not just because the game is already a sure win. *hopeful*

Well, he showed how efficient he can be. For 6 minutes of playing time, he contributed as much as 4 rebounds and 3 assists (one of which is a no look pass to Homer Se - the new crowd favorite). It was only few who could do such great assists.

Hoping to see more of you Chris in the Semis!

In the last five (5) games of the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK), they won four (4) of it. Last night, it was a sorry loss for them against Alaska Aces (76-75).

It was a 23-point deficit, I think back in the third period. But BGK come from behind with Chico Lanete signalling their come back with his 3 pointer. It was followed by the back to back 3 pointers of Cyrus Baguio and JayJay Helterbrand. In addition to that, Baguio had his shot and one.

They lead the game 75-74 in the last 14 seconds of the pay off period. But their defense was so open that Willie Miller had executed an easy two (2) points with just less than 10 seconds. 4 seconds left, Lanete's inbound to David Noel was a little bit long that it almost slipped Noel's grasps. Sadly, Noel ain't made the basket, and was even called for an offensive foul against Alaska's import, Rosell Ellis.

So, who's to blame for not winning last game? Is it the referee? I don't think so. Even though I cheer for BGK, I admit that Ellis already established his position. The offensive foul called is valid. I think the flaw for not winning the game last night was the untight defense against Miller in the last 14 seconds of the game. The basket was too easy for the 2-time Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Well, it just makes me miss Chris Pacana more. I wonder if the game's fate would turn around if Pacana is on the floor. He is well known for his intelligent defense. I believe that he won't let Miller take that shot so easy. But, the game is already finished. No turning back now. Just moving forward. I just hope that "The Missing King" be seen in action in their game tomorrow.

It is offense that made the points, but it is still defense that wins the game.

Last night was the battle between two teams of same winning streaks. Only one could continue that streak, while the other would be stopped. Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) continued their luck, while Purefoods (PF) TJ Giants have to do something to gain back the momentum.

Though BGK won, I still can't rejoice. Why? Simply because Chris Pacana is not part of that victory. He haven't been given playing minutes for several games now. Makes me feel lax in cheering for his team. Well, yes, I cheered for Chico Lanete who had been consuming the minutes Pacana should be playing. But I would rather have Lanete back at PF. It's his home, I believe.

So here, Pacana could only be seen shooting on practice, but not on the hard court. *sigh*

Credits: PBA Online

Ronjay Buenafe of Coca-Cola scored a game-high 25 points and added 5 rebounds and 5 steals leading the Rookies past the Sophomores 101-97 and was named the MVP(Most Valuble Player) in the Blitz Game of the 2008 Smart PBA All-Star Week at the West Negros University Gym here.

The win is the Rookies' 2nd straight over the Sophomores.

"Malaking bagay ito dahil naka-back-to-back na ang rookies tapos nakatabla pa," said Buenafe, referring to the head-on duel of both teams since the event began in Laoag City in 2004.

"Magagaling lahat ng teammates ko. Hindi ko siguro nakuha ito kung hindi dahil sa suporta nila kaya gusto ko din siyempreng i-share ito sa kanila.," said Buenafe, who had four other teammates scoring in double figures led by the 17 of Chico Lanete. The Purefoods guard added seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Chico Lanete of Purefoods had 17 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals while Air21's Marvin Cruz added 14points, 6 assists and 4 boards for the Rookies.

"Ang taas ng kumpiyansa ng mga bata na mananalo kami at makaka-back-to-back sa Sophomores. Wala akong masabi kasi napaka-coachable din nila," said Rookies coach Adonis Tierra, whose team trailed by as much as 14 points in the first half.

LA Tenorio of Alaska led the Sophomores with 19 points. Brgy. Ginebra's Chris Pacana added 14 points and 10 assists, Jay-R Reyes of Welcoat 13 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists.

Scores:

Rookies 101 - Buenafe 25, Lanete 17, Cruz 14, Devance 14, Bono 10, Aljamal 8, Kramer 7, Eman 6.

Sophomores 97 - Tenorio 19, Pacana 14, Reyes 13, Ibanes 12, Andaya 12, Membrere 11, Cabatu 10, Isip 6.

Quarterscores: 20-27, 46-54, 77-75, 101-97