SMC squads eye to close out semis bids

07/16/2008

Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia, two teams that struggled early in the eliminations, would not want to go farther than today in their bids for semifinal berths in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference.

Still ecstating with their big victories at the start of the quarterfinal series Sunday, the Kings and Beverage Masters set out today looking to end the short best-of-three quarterfinal series at the Ynares Gym in Antipolo City.

The Kings meet the Sta. Lucia Realty in the first game at 4:50 p.m. while the Beverage Masters clash with Coca-Cola in the main game at 7:20 p.m. in Games Two which are expected to be tougher and exciting.

The Kings would be needing more concentration on offense and defense if they are to repeat over the Realtors whom they defeated in the series opener Sunday, 92-90 in come-from-behind fashion.

“We know it’s not going to be easy but we will do the best we can,” said Kings coach Jong Uichico, who is expected to bank heavily on Mark Caguioa and Junthy Valenzuela for the needed fire.

Caguioa cut loose with 30 points in Game One while Valenzuela made up for his so-so performance in the first three quarters by pulling off the big plays when the game was on the line.

“He’s a veteran and he’s been there before. We know we can count on him to do things even if he struggled in the early part of a game,” said Uichico as he lauded the former Red Bull take-charge guy Valenzuela.

Valenzuela clinched the win on an offensive rebound off his own missed three-point shot with only six seconds left and the Kings enjoying a 90-87 lead in Game One.

The Beverage Masters are also on the threshold of making the semis, but then coach Bethune “Siot” Tanquincen and his charges must find ways to stop the Tigers expected counterattack.

“We want to make sure we challenge shots, and get good quality shots on offense,” said Tanquincen, whose Beverage Masters also took the series opener in a convincing fashion, 108-96

A victory by both Magnolia and Ginebra will set them up for a best-of-seven semifinal series with Air21 and Red Bull, respectively, starting Sunday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Realtors need to win this game to stay in contention for the semis that may give them a shot at annexing the season-ending tournament. They earlier won the Philippine Cup with a decisive win over Purefoods.

Arman Carandang

Back to top

For comments about this website:Webmaster@tribune.net.ph
The Daily Tribune © 2006