Barangay Ginebra went through trying moments against Red Bull before pulling through at the start of its title defense in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Coach Jong Uichico was unruffled but said he expects such tests throughout their campaign in this tourney they won over San Miguel Beer (now Magnolia) last year.
The Kings pulled off a scrambling 102-95 win, nearly losing a huge 23-point they erected at the half.
"Muntik matapon. Good thing nakapuhunan kami ng malaking lamang ng maaga. I expect challenges like this as the field will surely go after the head of the title-holder," said Uichico.
Mark Macapagal scored 13 of Ginebra’s last 15 points as he personally held off Red Bull’s fiery chase at the finish.
Staring at a 36-59 deficit at the turn, the Barakos rode the exploits of Junthy Valenzuela, Topex Robinson and Cyrus Baguio as they came roaring back and pushed the Kings to the limit down the stretch.
But Macapagal fired a side jumper, then strung up four straight charities against Valenzuela’s triple as the Kings regained headway at 98-93 with 30 seconds to go.
The Barakos closed in for the last time at 95-98 on two free throws by Baguio before Macapagal delivered the final nail on Red Bull’s coffin on another pair of charities.
"We caught them off-guard in the first half since it was the first time we played each other. But when they made the right adjustments, they were back in the game in no time," said Uichico.
"Mukhang mas adjusted na sila to the kind of calls being whistled in the tourney. Hopefully, maka-adjust din kami ng maaga," added Uichico.
Personally, Uichico said he prefers the old rule. "I like it when a foul is a foul. Gusto ko yung alam ko kung ano ang pwede kong i-complain. Hindi ko alam ngayon what to teach my players – things that can and can’t be done," the 2007 Coach of the Year awardee said.
The Kings hurdled the Barakos though playing minus main men Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk, both still nursing injuries.
Jayjay Helterbrand had a solid all-round game with 14 points, seven rebounds and the same number of assists in his return from a stint with the RP team. Rafi Reavis logged seven points and six rebounds in his own comeback from the injured list.
Macapagal led the Kings with 21 points with JR Aquino proving to be a big help in his first game in the pros, contributing seven points, four rebounds and two steals in 21 minutes of action.
Ginebra went berserk in the second quarter, bamboozling Red Bull, 30-12, shooting 57.9 percent from the field against the Barakos’ 18.8 percent clip.
Ginebra’s starting five of Helterbrand, Macapagal, Reavis, Billy Mamaril and Sunday Salvacion gave the team a 29-24 lead in the opening period. (NC)
The scores:
Ginebra 102 – Macapagal 21, Tubid 15,Helterbrand 14, Mamaril 13, Salvacion 11, Aquino 7, Reavis 7, Holper 5, Artadi 4, Escalona 2, Abarrientos 2, Lao 1.
Red Bull 95 – Baguio 26, Valenzuela 17, Robinson 14, Najorda 13, Pennisi 8, Sharma 7, Cruz 4, Adriano 3, Andaya 2, Ybanez 1, Bugia 0, Hrabak 0.
Quarterscores: 29-24, 59-36, 76-65, 102-95. |
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