Ginebra sweeps Realtors away

By Dennis Principe

THE Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings became the third team to make the semifinals after sweeping the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 113-86, in their best-of-three quarterfinal match Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Sta. Lucia played without import Lee Benson, who reportedly had a falling out with team management. Ginebra took Game One, 92-90, Sunday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.

“It’s a relief. We were not sure if Benson will play but we were prepared for it. Now we got to get back to work right away,” said winning coach Jong Uichico.

Ginebra’s offensive production was their highest this conference while the 27-point loss by Sta. Lucia was the Realtors’ worst this season since the 114-79 thrashing they got from Red Bull last March 23.

Starting point guard Jayjay Helterbrand led Ginebra with 22 points, four rebounds and six assists.

Import Chris Alexander and guard Mark Caguioa added 19 apiece with the American playing big in rebounds with 19 caroms.

Kelly Williams had a double-double performance of 23 points and 11 rebounds. The leading Most Valuable Player (MVP) candidate, however, got little support from his teammates with Nelbert Omolon being the only player who provided a double-digit output with 12.

Ginebra will play early semifinals qualifier Red Bull in a best-of-seven series.

Meanwhile, Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao expressed confidence in facing Ginebra, the perennial crowd-drawer of the league.

“Mahirap pumili because both teams are capable of playing good games. For Ginebra, the presence of Junthy [Valenzuela] will help them a lot and I understand that because ang player naman ang loyalty is with his present team,” said Guiao.

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Ginebra sweeps Realtors away

THE Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings became the third team to make the semifinals after sweeping the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 113-86, in their best-of-three quarterfinal match Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

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