Petron Blaze Boosters Basketball Updates

Photo Credit: PBA.ph

If the San Miguel Beermen really wanted to make it to the semis, there’s no other day to take that victory but today against a depleted but gritty Barangay Ginebra Kings.

The depleted Ginebra squad should not be taken lightly as they have the capabilities to resurrect especially when their backs are against the wall. The way game 1 was played is a sign that the Gin Kings will not simply fade away.

And there’s no other way to stop the Gin Kings from their tracks by again playing tough defense all throughout the 48 minutes of action or even an extended time if necessary.

Offense is not a problem as San Miguel is loaded with firepower in all positions especially now that Danny Seigle is back in harness and is playing good music with rookie Bonbon Custodio playing the point and our other gunners are sinking their shots.

I expect a great game once again tonight so don’t miss out watching it. Got to go. Our friends from Philippine Basketball Association (pba.ph) will tell you other things to expect from both quarterfinals matchups.

NORWOOD SUSPENDED AS RAIN OR SHINE FIGHTS FOR DEAR LIFE
SMB, SLR go for jugular, semis spots vs. Kings, Elasto Painters
Thursday, 08 January 2009

GABE Norwood made a rookie mistake and it could cost Rain or Shine dearly.

With their top rookie and main source of energy sitting it out, the Elasto Painters are hard-pressed to find another source of boost just to stay alive against defending champion Sta. Lucia Realty in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal series.

The Realtors took the best-of-three series opener, 101-84, last Wednesday and are all set to go for the clincher Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome for the right to meet Alaska in the best-of-7 semifinals.

Practically all indications point to a Sta. Lucia win, what with Norwood suspended by PBA Commissioner Renauld “Sonny” Barrios Thursday for sparking an ugly incident in Game 1. For good measure, Barrios also threw in a P20,000 fine.

Norwood’s teammate and fellow rookie, Sol Mercado, and the Realtors’ veteran center, Marlou Aquino, received the same penalties for a similar infraction. Aquino will also serve out his suspension Friday while Mercado’s will take effect in Game 3 on Sunday or in the Elasto Painters’ first game in the Fiesta Conference.

Both teams’ head coaches accepted the sanctions, feeling more challenged with the more difficult tasks at hand.

“One man down lang kami. We’d still go all-out for the clincher,” said Sta. Lucia’s Boyet Fernandez in shrugging off the void within his ranks.

Rain or Shine mentor Caloy Garcia has his own fighting words.

“We are up to the challenge,” he said. “We just have to stay focused on the game, play more as a team for us to win.”

But the absence of the 6-foot-4 Norwood, who averages 11.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals, is sure to take its toll.

“It’s a big loss for us,” Garcia had to admit, knowing fully well Norwood provides more than numbers but also energy to his teammates.

Norwood was penalized for committing a Flagrant Foul-Penalty 2 last Wednesday after notching nine points and seven boards and trying to help his team back from a 47-65 deficit, 5:55 to go in the third period.

Last year’s No. 1 Draft pick was driving for the basket and got fouled by Sta. Lucia’s Dennis Daa but continued his motion. That was when Nelbert Omolon swiped at the ball and looked to have hit Norwood on the face instead.

The 25-year-old former George Mason U standout reacted by slamming the ball at the Realtor forward.

The incident was prevented from further escalating by cooler heads, but also resulted in Mercado initially drawing a technical for shoving Omolon from behind and Joseph Yeo, who tried to confront Norwood. Garcia and guard Ryan Arana also drew a “T” each for excessive complaining and entering the court, respectively.

After reviewing the game tapes and upon the recommendation of his technical committee, league Commissioner Sonny Barrios upgraded Mercado’s foul to an F2. Arana and Yeo were assessed a P10,000 fine each. Omolon was fined P1,000 for a deemed second motion.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer also aims to close the deal when it takes on sister team Barangay Ginebra later Friday.

Beermen coach Siot Tanquingcen knows his team has the will and tools to finish the Kings up, having been toughened by their wildcard experience, where they had to win two knockout games to earn the last quarterfinals slot.

That showed in the way the Beermen managed to squeak past Barangay Ginebra 78-77 also last Wednesday to gain the headstart in their own best-of-three series.

The close call and familiarity with their adversary, however, make Tanquingcen wary.

“We’re still not out of the woods,” he maintained. “Just one game lang ito and they (Kings) are very capable of coming back. So we really have to stay focused on what we’re trying to accomplish.”

For sure, Barangay Ginebra, which made it to the quarterfinals as early as Christmas, is not about to give up the ghost.

“We just have to let it all out in (Friday’s) game,” said Kings head coach Jong Uichico.
Barangay Ginebra could have avoided being backed into such a corner.

After Beerman Danny Seigle scored on a short stab on a dish-off by Bonbon Custodio for the go-ahead basket, the Kings had the chance to steal the game in the closing seconds. But Ronald Tubid had a missed trey and a possession later Jayjay Helterbrand’s buzzer-beating attempt went awry in the face of Custodio’s tough defense.

“Malakas talaga ang Ginebra. I-factor in pa ‘yung crowd na nadadala ‘yung energy nila,” said Tanquingcen. “So I think we just have to keep our focus steady lang. Huwag masyadong maging too emotional sa game. Even-keeled ba.”

An ending such as in Game 1 is what Tanquingcen foresees for the remainder of the series

”I expect the same way sa Game 2. Coach Jong will make his adjustments to try and get advantage over what we’re trying to do defensively,” he explained. “So it’s back to the drawing board for us.”

The keys will also remain practically the same, he added.

“We want the game to be more defense-oriented kasi it all boils down to defense kapag playoff  time. And then execution sa endgame, ‘yun ang crucial factors,” he averred. (NCo)