Thursday, July 24, 2008 Late surge gives Ginebra 2-0 edge vs. Barakos
MANILA-Despite its overpowering advantage, Barangay Ginebra needed a final half breakaway before pulling off a 111-104 triumph over Red Bull yesterday to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal round of the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Jay-Jay Helterbrand starred in the Kings decisive blazing run by hitting 19 of his 27 points in the third period en route to their ninth straight win, their longest streak in franchise history.
Helterbrand also had 4 rebounds and 9 assists, while Caguioa settled with 24 points, two rebounds and two assists and Chris Alexander added 20 points on top of 18 rebounds and three assists.
With its second straight win, coach Jong Uichico of Ginebra, which won Game 1 via a 108-82 rout last Sunday, expressed satisfaction with the way the Kings are playing, hinting a more successful campaign this season.
After a close 25-24 battle in the first period, the Kings led by Marc Caguioa and Eric Menk stepped on the gas to take a 31-26 advantage, but the Barakos fought back to prevent Ginebra from pulling away.
Alexander took advantage of Adam Parada's hamstring injury to score on a jumper and later Helterbrand scored on a drive to keep the Kings on top, 55-49, at the half.
Aside from its deep bench, Ginebra obviously had the edge in the battle of imports as the 7-foot Mexican Parada could only managed four points and 4 rebounds compared to 10 points and 10 rebounds for the 7-foot Alexander.
What compounded the woes to coach Yeng Guiao was Parada's fifth foul with still 10:32 remaining in the match that likewise gave Alexander more room to dominate the shaded lane.
Even as he played with 41 minutes, Parada contributed only 16 points and 10 rebounds, a far cry from Alexander's output.
Cyrus Baguio topscored for the Barakos with 34 points, newcomer Red Juntilla, Leo Najorda added 16 each and 7 each for Micahel Hrabak and Celino Cruz. (FCC)
