Chris Pacana

Sasagupain ang TNT sa semis
Ni VLADI EDUARTE

Kumpleto na ang Final Four cast ng 2008-09 KFC PBA Philippine Cup, matapos maitakas ng San Miguel Beer ang kapana-panabik na come-from-behind 98-93 win laban sa sister team Barangay Ginebra sa sudden-death game sa Cuneta Astrodome kagabi.

Parang natulala ang Gin Kings mula sa kalagitnaan ng third period hanggang fourth nang walang magawang solusyon habang unti-unting naglalaho ang naipundar nilang 21-puntos na kalamangan.

Napatingala na lamang sina Beermen Anthony Washington at Dorian Peña habang kumakana ng one-handed jump shot si Chris Pacana ng Ginebra Kings sa tagpong ito sa game 3 ng PBA quarterfinals kagabi sa Cuneta Astrodome sa Pasay City. (John Paulino)

Nalubog sa 62-43 pero hindi nasiraan ng loob ang Beermen ni coach Siot Tanquingcen. Mula sa six-minute mark ng third, naglunsad ng 26-8 atake ang San Miguel na inangklahan ng tigalawang 3-pointers nina Dondon Hontiveros at Lordy Tugade para tapusin ang period na kumakatok na sa pintuan ng Kings, 70-67.

Nang makumpleto ni Hontiveros ang three-point play mula sa foul ni Sunday Salvacion, sa unang pagkakataon sa laro ay lumamang ang San Miguel 75-74 may 8:43 pa sa laro.
Pagkatapos ng apat na mintis at apat na offensive rebounds, nabasag ang pang-apat at huling deadlock nang pumasok ang pabitin na tira ni rookie Bonbon Custodio na naglagay sa SMB sa unahan, 87-85.

Napuwersa sa tatlong magkakasunod na turnovers ang Kings na sinamantala ng Beermen sa pag-arangkada ng 9-2 run para iguhit ang pinakamalaking bentahe nila sa laro, 96-87, 72 tikada na lang.

Dumikit pa ang Kings sa 96-93 sa tres ni Salvacion 11.5 seconds pa, pero nang sumablay ang ikalawang foul shot ni Hontiveros ay napulot naman ng kakampi nitong si Marc Pingris ang long rebound bago nagpasok ng isa pang free throw para sa pinal na iskor.

Tumapos si Hontiveros ng 34 points, kapos ng isa sa kanyang career-high na naitala noong Biyernes lang, sa likod ng 6-of-11 shooting mula sa 3-point arc, habang nag-ambag ng 13 points si Custodio at may 11 si Tugade. May tig-pitong boards sina Hontiveros at Custodio.
Hindi pa sigurado kung makakapaglaro si Olsen Racela sa unang game ng best-of-seven semis ng SMB kontra Talk N Text sa Miyerkules ng 7:30 pm sa Araneta Coliseum dahil natawagan ito ng flagrant foul two at na-eject tatlong minuto pagkatapos ng opening tipoff.
Sumingit ang paa ni Racela sa babagsakan ni Helterbrand na tumira mula sa rainbow arc kaya napalabas ng laro.

Sisiklab na rin ang hiwalay na serye ng No. 1 Alaska at Sta. Lucia Realtors na magtatagpo sa unang game ng 5 pm.

It was a do or die Sunday between the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) and the San Miguel Beermen (SMB). Whoever wins the ballgame will advance to the Semis and battle with the Talk N' Text Tropang Texters (TNT).

All game long, BGK commands the ballgame. And it was all because of the beyond the arc shots. I then began to admire BGK more, with a depleted line up, it was really all the heart of a champion thay they are using to fight tonight's ballgame. JayJay Helterbrand, who is quoted as 'due for explosion' by Quinito Henson, really exploded, allowing the BGK to have a 21-point lead against the star-studded SMB.

It was not only Helterbrand's 3 points shots, Paul Artadi, JunJun Cabatu, and Sunday Salvacion also had their 3 pointers that made all things happen for the Kings. And while they had their 3 points shots, Chris Pacana, Billy Mamaril, and Junthy Valenzuela fearlessly drives their way to the basket to contribute.

All the while, it was all BGK. But DonDon Hontiveros become unstoppable from the 3 point arc as well. He hit back to back 3s together with Lordy Tugade and Mic Pennisi. They where able to catch up and trim the lead down to only 3 points at the end of the 3rd Quarter.

BGK and SMB had shown a great series of the Quarter Finals. Everybody's on their feet in the ending minutes of the pay off period. Less than a minute left, SMB leads by only 4 points. BGK still has the chance to regain the lead, if not, at least extend the regulation period. But, I really don't understand why BGK DO NOT defend the last play of the SMB, allowing SMB to have a 6-point lead with only 24 seconds remaining. My sister uttered, if it was in NBA, anything could still happen. And I uttered, if it was Purefoods TJ Giants (PF), an overtime will push through, as what they did against TNT last October 31, 2008.

Salvacion hit a 3 point to cut the lead down to 3. But, the seconds are too much in favor of SMB. It was a sorry loss for the Kings. When I thought they almost made it. But nonetheless, I still can proudly say, thay their hearts are bigger than SMB. And Ronald Tubid's heart is a lot bigger than Hontiveros'.

The Kings bid goodbye to the All Filipino Cup Conference (AFC). And so, I bid goodbye to PBA for now. I have no more reason to watch PBA, no PF, no BGK. See you next conference!


The scores:


San Miguel 98 -- Hontiveros 34, Custodio 13, Tugade 11, Seigle 9, Washington 8, Villanueva 7, Pennisi 5, Pena 4, Pingris 3, Baguion 2, racela 2, Gonzales 0.

Ginebra 93 -- Helterbrand 30, Salvacion 17, Menk 9, Mamaril 8, Tubid 7, Pacana 6, Artadi 6, Wilson 6, Valenzuela 4, Escalona 0, Cabatu 0.

Quarterscores: 14-22, 36-49, 67-70, 98-93

My 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:

Finally, after a month of waiting, Chris Pacana is back and is ready to play. 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.

November 23 is my birthday. One month and one day shy of Chris' birthday. Yes, we're born on same year, year of the Rooster. A month before my birthday, I had planned everything. Fate's on my side that time.

The Plan
Me and my online friends will be watching PBA game at the Araneta Coliseum on November 21. The scheduled game were Game 1: Coca-Cola Tigers vs Purefoods TJ Giants and Game 2: Barangay Ginebra Kings vs Sta. Lucia Realtors. It was perfect, for me at least. Two of my favorite teams would be playing, PF and BGK. Months ago, it was planned. Me, Thania, AM, and Hanna would be watching the game live. It would be special to have Hanna seated beside me. We have lot of things in common. We both love PF and BGK.

My Wish
As a fan, I had this wonderful wish, that Chris Pacana be hailed as the game's Best Player of the Game that night, that he may have double-double figures, 22 big points, 10 big rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists, and 1 block shot. There, that'll be great. And it would be greater if Kerby Raymundo will be the BPG of Game 1. And definitely, after the game, I won't let the moment to pass me by without having a picture with Chris, with me wearing a shirt with his jersey number on.

The Reality
Too good to be true. Aside from the initial friends that would be beside me watching the game, Mark, Gwen, and Josephine will also be around. As early as Tuesday, we bought tickets, seven (7) tickets. But to my dismay, PBA just changed schedule. BGK's game was move on November 22 to be held at San Juan Arena. *sigh* I hate PBA. So we had to return the tickets and exchange it for November 22 game instead. Goodbye watching PF live. Well, it was not really a bad news since it allowed me to take a rest from my 8AM-8AM (Thursday - Friday) work. November 22. The date was nice. It was Chris' jersey number. But something went wrong. Hanna and Josephine won't be coming. I felt so sad. I even mentioned to Hanna that it won't be the same without her. And a sudden idea come to me, a worse one -- Chris, nursing an injury, might not show at all tonight's ballgame. And now I can be a fortune teller, there was really no CP#22 on November 22. It's not the usual me. The game was intense, someone from the SLR had been out of the playing court for a flagrant and a technical foul called on him. But I remained silent. I just can't cheer. All I can say was 'Nasaan si Chris?'. Everyone's cheering their hearts out. I had witnessed two (2) buzzer beaters. One was on the 2nd Quarter where JayJay Helterbrand chipped in a 3 pointer at the nick of time. The other one was Willie Wilson's basket, beating the buzzer on the 3rd Quarter. And yes, it was Sunday Salvacion's night. His 3 pointers kept the lead of BGK. SLR just can't get things right. The rebound always ends up to the hands of Billy Mamaril, Eric Menk, or Wilson. The team's great. Never say die attitude, that is. But am I happy? As the seconds are winding down on the pay-off period, I was still hoping that Chris might be there somewhere watching the game. But, no, there won't be CP#22 that night. Oh, sad birthday for me. Well, at least I got the consolation from Chris' teammates, ha ha. They won the ballgame.

The scores:

Ginebra 93 – Salvacion 22, Artadi 18, Tubid 17, Helterbrand 13, Wilson 8, Cabatu 7, Menk 4, Mamaril 2, Crisano 2, Escalona 0, Holper 0, Valenzuela 0.

Sta. Lucia 81 – Espino 19, Miranda 10, Yeo 9, Omolon 9, Williams 8, Gonzales 8, Aquino 7, Gregorio 5, Coronel 3, Mendoza 3.

Quarterscores: 24-15, 56-39, 74-65, 93-81

I'm so excited for the upcoming game of Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) against Talk N Text Tropang Texters (TNT). I don't know, but PBA has been one of the things that allows me to unload myself of the worries of the day. I just came from an overnight duty from our office due to a nationwide migration, so I lull myself to sleep this morning. Before the game starts, I opted to take a nap first, but I just can't sleep, probably because I fear that I won't be able to wake up right before the game starts. It was 4th Quarter of Game 1, San Miguel Beermen (SMB) against Coca Cola Tigers. I prefer to cheer for the Tigers. I like the way Alex Cabagnot plays. Sadly, they lose. Final score was 89-86.

Before the game started, I got the information that Chris Pacana is injured, and that he won't be able to play. My friend, who is at the Cuneta Astrodome that time, told me that Chris Pacana is not doing the usual warm up. *sigh*

It was Anthony Suntay for the court side report and he was mentioning the key players of BGK who are still nursing their injuries. Mark Caguioa, Raffy Reavis, and Junthy Valenzuela are among those players. Hence, BGK is still playing with a depleted line up. So, someone really has to step up each game. Game 1, it was Paul Artadi, Game 2 is JunJun Cabatu, Game 3 is Chris Pacana, Game 4 is Willie Wilson, Game 5 is Sunday Salvacion, Game 6 are Paul Artadi and JayJay Helterbrand, Game 7 is Eric Menk, and Game 8 are Chris Pacana and JayJay Helterbrand. Well, those players stepped up based from my observations.

It was overwhelming for me, as a Chris Pacana fan, when Suntay mentioned that in the last game of BGK against Coke, it was Pacana who stepped up, having a career high of 10 big rebounds for only 11 minutes of play. Well, it was a career high for this conference since he already had that 10 big rebounds back in Game 3 of the Finals Series last conference against Air 21 Express. He also has the remark that Chris Pacana is tremendous as far as Barangay Ginebra is concerned. But after having that remark, he then followed a report stating that he won't be able to play that night. Confirmed. My source was right. *crying*

Still, I chose to watch the game. Anyway, I'm cheering for Chris' team as well, the BGK. BGK had a pretty great start. And Ronald Tubid is the man of the Quarter. Sadly, a little incident happen, that probably break his almost perfect game. Since Chris is not playing, I am watching the game while surfing the net. Then suddenly I heard the commentators stating Pacana's name. But I failed to watch that moment when Chris checked in. My friends told me that it was just a situational substitution wherein his job was just to foul Jimmy Alapag. After the foul, he was then immediately replaced by Paul Artadi. I don't know what's going on Coach Jong Uichico's head. He could have used Macky Escalona instead, or someone else to do that job. It just makes Chris' statistics worse, making his rank in steals to slid down. Well, at least for my concern, and for those as well who chose him in their roster in pbfantasy. *grin*

BGK was able to control the ballgame and have a 20 big lead against TNT at the end of the first quarter. But, inch-by-inch, TNT managed to come back from that deficit. And the great rhythm of Tubid was broken by the officials as he was called for a back to back foul after a technical called against him and Alapag. So, it was 3 straight calls for him. Suddenly the fate turns around.

I just feel so down. Something's just not right. In the 4th quarter, the BGK is trying to get back through the efforts of Cabatu. But, the game just shows how important deep bench is. Everyone's out of gas. A sorry loss for the team. And why do I really feel this way? Don't have the energy. Felt so sleepy. Hmmmm, I remember before, when BGK had their 5 game losing skid, I don't feel so down. Now, its making sense. Watching BGK game, whether win or lose, feels great when Chris had shown how important he is to the team. But in this game against TNT, I seem to miss his defense, his excellent defense. It's so hard to watch the bench instead of the game, ha ha. Watching BGK game is just not the same without Chris. *down*

Chris, hope you get well really soon. Hope to see you play again against James Yap on Sunday.

Scores:

Talk n Text 103 -- Cardona 32, Allado 17, Dillinger 16, Alapag 15, Carey 11, Castro 7, De Ocampo 3, Ritualo 2, Reyes 0, Aljamal 0, Peek 0.

Brgy. Ginebra 90 -- Tubid 17, Cabatu 16, Helterbrand 15, Salvacion 13, Wilson 12, Mamaril 6, Menk 6, Escalona 4, Artadi 1, Pacana 0, Holper 0, Crisano 0.

Quarterscores: 16-36, 49-55, 82-67, 103-90.

My cousin was really encouraging me to watch tonight's ball game. He would even treat me with court side ticket (generous, huh?), just for me to come. But, I don't know, I said 'NO'. Maybe I was just too shy that my favorite player might see me again watching him, ha ha. I don't want him to think that I'm a next-to-stalker fan. Uhm, I'm just proud to be his #1 fan. And I just hope my prayers for the success of his career works. And I bet, it did.

Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK) battled with the Red Bull (RB) Barakos, still, with a depleted line up. I was not able to watch the first few minutes of the game. Thanks to my ever-loving friends who updated me of what's happening while I was still on my way home. They've told me how JayJay Helterbrand sink in two 3 pointers. And I said, wow, it would be raining 3's again for BGK. But, a bad news had been sent to me, Ronald Tubid was called for a flagrant foul penalty 1. I really can't give comments since I was not able to see the play. All I know was it was against Rich Alvarez.

Luckily, I got home before the 1st Quarter was over. It was a seasaw battle for the 2 teams, until Tubid was ejected, being called for foul for second motion (sorry, poor memory, I can't remember if it was a technical foul or flagrant foul). Mark Caguioa, Raffy Reavis, and Billy Mamaril were not present. And now, Tubid was ejected. *sigh* How can BGK possibly win this one?

I really hate RB. From the coach to the players. For me, they had their dirty reputation, ha ha. I could have like Cyrus Baguio, only if he is not from RB. I simply hate the way they play. From Celino Cruz to Jojo Duncil to Gabby Espinas. Sorry to their fans, I just don't like the way RB plays. I have watched the 2nd Quarter, and who's that guy again? Paulo Hubalde? Oh, i'm sorry, I don't really know him. Is he a rookie? Well, I really don't care. He was just so, so bad. He has his back to back fouls, ha ha. He was about to stop JayJay's fastbreak in the dirty way. Oh it could have injured JayJay badly. Then, the following play had made the officials call for an offensive foul against him. His looks shows his attitude, bad! Ooops forgot to include dirty!

I can see the frustration in JayJay. It was his off night. I remember he had fired a 3 pointer that doesn't even reach the basket. Almost all of them, actually, had their off night. Sunday Salvacion's open 3 point shots just don't chip in. He only made 2 out of 6 attempts. Same with JunJun Cabatu, last game's hero, who has 2/7 3pt FG. Alex Crisano, Paul Artadi, Junthy Valenzuela, and Eric Menk were all having hard time in easy and open baskets.

But RB doesn't get away with the win easily. BGK is well known for their never say die attitude. And this attitude was exhibited by Willie Wilson. He had 10 big points, 3/3 FG and 4/4 FT. Perfect! And of course, the reason why I was happy even though BGK lost the ball game, was the heart shown by Chris Pacana. Tubid was ejected, which, in turn gave him more playing minutes. I simply love the way he played. In every game, he would always dive for the lose ball. I am really cheering each time he would earn a basket, either from the field or from the free throw line. He never let me give up in the dying minutes with his excellent defense. He totaled 5 steals and 9 rebounds. I just said to myself, he could have been the Best Player of the Game if BGK won. But then again, BGK lost. Never the less, it just feels great. He shows what he can do for BGK. He had 18 big points. Congrats Chris, it was a great game for you! Hope to see more of those kind in the next games.

The scores:

Red Bull 100 -- Espinas 18, Baguio 15, Sharma 14, Hubalde 12, Alvarez 12, Rodriguez 8, Chan 7, Cruz 6, Duncil 5, Membrere 3, Najorda 0, Hrabak 0.

Ginebra 94 -- Helterbrand 22, Pacana 18, Salvacion 12, Wilson 10, Cabatu 8, Crisano 8, Artadi 6, Menk 6, Tubid 4, Escalona 0, Holper 0, Valenzuela 0.

Quarterscores: 30-22, 51-39, 70-62, 100-94

Credits: DJ Rbjslimm

Man it was the toughest series ever for the Barangay Ginebra Kings. The team's leading scorer and Most Outstanding Player of the conference was out due to an injury that he sustained during Game 2 of finals. And to make it worse, his other half & partner in crime known as The Spark was also hurting, same goes with their center Eric Menk, and the 2 guards that made a huge impact during the finals, Chris Pacana and Paul Artadi who reminds me of Bal David. He's more like the second coming of one of the finest point guards of the franchise which represents the team using the number "1".

Being in the finals made the team realize that stepping up big time will definitely define if the team has matured since most of their players are new and young. Man I was really impressed when Artadi and Pacana's game improved, what they did for their team was big and it helped the team a lot since their marquee players were down because of injuries. Coach Jong Uichico who used to be the Top Dawg of the Green Archers and San Miguel franchise was a coaching genius. He basically lived up to the expectations given to him by Ginebra management and what a way for him to capitalize on the opportunity.

7'1 Chris Alexander was a force in the middle, even funny man and energetic Alex Crisano made his presence felt, from Raffy Reavis to Billy Mamaril, my school mate and batch mate Sunday Salvacion, to Junthy Valenzuela, everyone basically stepped up to the challenge. When Jayjay Helterbrand got injured, I'm like "that's it! end of the road for them" But the players responded pretty well, astig sobra! I was actually at work during game 7 but I made it sure I get to watch it (talking about time management) hehehehe! Ibang klase ginawa ng Ginebra this conference, ibang klase talaga.

Mark was definitely right when he said "we might even reach the finals and be the champions" and he was damn right about that. So I'm pretty sure all the naysayers are now thinking like paano kaya nila nagawa yun? When The Spark made that statement, the team was 0-5 man! no wins and 5 loss, and now they are the champs!

Big Ups to Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings man! Big ups to the entire team. And to Chris Alexander, Thank you for helping the Barangay bagged their 8th championship. Astig ka Chris! And if I were to use one word on how I can describe how the Gin Kings did it, there's definitely one word that fits the bill for the Barangay.

Phenomenal!

Nuff Said.

Mark Caguioa had once promised, "We'll go to the championship". And
now, here we are at his promised series.

It was Game 1 of the Fiesta Conference Championship, Air21 Express vs the Philippines, I mean, vs the Barangay Ginebra Kings (BGK). It was Air21's first finals appearance. It was BGK's moment to extend their win streak to 13, JayJay Helterbrand's (the leagues' best point guard, 4th in MVP race) jersey number.

1st Quarter start was owned by Air21, they had 10-0 run against BGK. Arboleda and David had their 3 points each. Forcing Coach Jong Uichico to call a time out. Hmm.. Probably Air21 is really hungry for a championship, maybe BGK had been overconfident. After the time out, BGK renewed their energy and focus. Back to back points from Mamaril and a drive from Valenzuela. Enough to rattle Air21, making David called for an offensive foul against Artadi, make it two. Caguioa and Helterbrand is not at their best that Quarter. But, BGK is playing as a team. Valenzuela carried BGK on his shoulders, enough to close the game to 17-12 in favor of Air21. Not to forget Alexander 'The Greater'. He made the points, the rebounds, the dunks, and the blocks. The player that gives that boost of energy is Artadi. He is now confident making 3 point shots, and he made 1 this Quarter. He made a fastbreak layup from his own steal. Unluckily, he got injured, and he wasn't able to come back to the game. End of 1st Quarter, 25-19 in favor of BGK. It's as if Air21 is lacking enough energy to sustain their game.

2nd Quarter, Caguioa showed why he is leading the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) race. And the seem to be missing JayJay from the 3 point arc made himself visible in his drive through the basket. He definitely is 'The Fast v.2.0'. Arboleda just can't guard him. Every player contributed for BGK: Reavis, Pacana, and Salvacion. Would like to highlight Chris Pacana, he had 4 points on the 2nd Quarter. 2 points coming from Helterbrand's assist and 2 points coming from a tip in of Alexander's miss. He got his 6th point in the 3rd Quarter by making a fearless drive in the paint. The next big thing in PBA's point guards. :)

3rd Quarter, JayJay finally clutched in a 3 pointer, but, it was his last 3 pointer for the game. Although he seemed not to get baskets from his perimiter shots, he earned points from his layups by leaving his guard way behind. Many says it was Thomas who would grab the Best Import. Well, think again, if I'm not mistaken, it was 3 or 4 times that Alexander had blocked Thomas. Caguioa's one-on-one move against Santos reminds me of my blog entry, No One Can Stop Ginebra When There's Helterbrand And Caguioa. No one, not even Santos. He even boasted when he was fould by David, "utak lang 'yan" (in sign language).

4th Quarter, Air21 made their run. An attempt to win the game from behind. David and Santos launching and making their 3 point shots, Se, Billones, and De Ocampo earning points, making it 92-84, with less than 5 minutes remaining. They even have it as close as 96-90, with only last 2 minutes in the pay off period. But Alexander won't let things happen for Air21. He's an all around player, the 'Best Import'. It was fun ending the game 105-96, BGK extending their win streak to 13. Best Player of the Game is Caguioa with 22pts (7 in the 4th Q), 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.

But, what's nice about BGK is their deep bench players, and they really played as a team. When someone can't make the basket, someone would step up to keep the BGK alive. Tubid, injured in the last game of the eliminations, is a big lost to BGK's defense. But Pacana stepped up to fill Tubid's loss, and a lot more. When BGK's star players are having their 'off night', Artadi and Valenzuela willingly stepped up to win the game. The energy they induced enabled the 'off night' to turn into 'on night'. It was just "Barangay Ginebra Kings At Its Best, 13 Win Streak!".