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Ginebra, Alaska eye to trim PBA leaders between them

By Arman Carandang

10/23/2009

Barangay Ginebra and Alaska Milk try to break from a four-way logjam at the top and keep a share of the lead as they battle separate foes in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The Gin Kings play the Smart-Gilas team in the first tussle at 2:30 p.m. while the Aces clash with Coca-Cola Tigers in the nightcap at 7:30 p.m. as they both gun for their third straight win in the kick-off tournament.

In between, Purefoods TJ Giants seek to rebound from a horrible loss at the hands of Barangay Ginebra, taking on a dangerous Barako Bull at 5 p.m.

Although CJ Giles did not contribute anything in the Gilas’ last outing against Talk ‘N Text last Wednesday, the Smart slotman remains one of coach Jong Uichico’s concerns today, on top of the national aspirants’ shooting.

“Dapat makadepensa kami ng husto sa shooting nila, lalo na kay Giles (CJ),” said Uichico.

The Gin Kings also have to find ways to fill up the slack left by Marc Caguioa whose left knee is reportedly swelling. It was not sure whether it was a recurring injury that kept him out of court for the whole season.

With Caguioa around, the Gin Kings won their first two games in the kick-off tournament, beating San Miguel Beer and Purefoods.

Giants’ coach Ryan Gregorio, likewise, does not want to sound too confident when Purefoods plays the Energy Boosters, who, managed to pull off a surprise when they brought down Coca-Cola last Sunday.

“Barako plays with toughness and great effort. We just couldn’t show up and think that we are going to win. We must play with great resolve to bounce back from a loss against Ginebra,” said Gregorio.

With their win against Coke, Gregorio said, they (Energy Boosters) showed that they are capable of winning in the league. “It gives us more reason to respect them as a team. Coach Leo (Isaac) has done a tremendous job bringing out the best in his players,” Gregorio added.

“Compete for every rebound, battle for every loose ball and execute to near perfection” are the Giants’ battle cry against Barako Bull, said Gregorio, whose Giants turned back Burger King on opening day (93-80) but fell to the Gin Kings, 87-95, last Oct. 18.