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FORGET those nasty talks about the Ginebra Kings being
overmatched and aren’t worthy challengers for the San
Miguel Beermen.
The Kings put behind those unfounded concerns Wednesday night
with an imposing performance that produced a remarkable
131-101 blowout.
And so it turns out Chot Reyes wasn’t trying to deceive
anybody for being overly cautious.
Despite being up, 2-0, in the series, the San Miguel coach
kept telling sportswriters during postgame interviews
that he expects the Kings to strike anytime soon.
Apparently, Game Three was the stage for the Kings to launch
their ruthless assault that shattered San Miguel’s
shield of invincibility and got them back in contention
for the league’s most coveted championship.
Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, who is waging a war against his
former troops, didn’t seem surprised by Wednesday’s
turnaround saying the Kings “just did what they are
supposed to do.”
“This team plays well when its back is against the wall. And
they always find a way to win,” said Uichico, seeking
his seventh career-championship.
Ginebra’s victory in Game Three wouldn’t be possible,
though, without the excellent effort of Rafi Reavis, who
terrorized the Beermen with his aggressive rebounding
and annoying defense.
The six-foot-seven center eventually finished with 13 points
and 15 rebounds—a big leap from his 7.0 points and 8.5
rebounds average in the first two games of the series.
“Rafi redeemed himself [tonight]. He got us going with his
rebounding and also made significant contributions
offensively,” said Uichico.
Rudy Hatfield and Mark Caguioa were also spectacular with 28
and 26 points, respectively. Hatfield shot 10-of-17 from
the field and Caguioa made 11-of-21 attempts. As a team,
Ginebra shot 47 percent (47-of-99) as compared to San
Miguel’s 39 percent (33-of-84).
“We shot pretty well tonight. Now we have a legitimate shot
[at the title],” Uichico said.
But whether the Kings could battle the Beermen with the same
type of energy and aggressiveness that electrified the
Ginebra faithful in Game Three will be crucial in
Ginebra’s bid to tie the series.
Game Four of the best-of-seven titular series for the Talk
‘N Text-Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup
is scheduled at
7
o’clock tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.
In 59 previous best-of-seven series dating back to 1982, 23
of 27 teams which took a 2-0 lead went on to win the
series.
Although San Miguel still leads the series (2-1), the
absence of Danny Ildefonso could ruin the Beermen’s
chances.
During a post-game conference that followed San Miguel’s
104-101 victory in Game Two, Reyes said has expressed
his concern about Eric Menk getting better as the series
progresses.
As it turned out his gut feel was right. After a
disappointing four points, and three rebounds in Game
Two, Menk turned in 12 points and cornered 11 rebounds
in Game Three.
If Menk could consistently improve as the series wears on,
the Beermen could indeed be in trouble.
In the absence of a timetable for ildefonso’s return, Reyes
said “it is incumbent upon our big men to man the fort.”
It’s unfortunate though that neither Dorian Pena nor Rommel
Adducul stepped up in Game 3. Pena managed just eight
points and six rebounds and Adducul tallied two points
and nine rebounds. |
