Friday, December 07, 2007 Patrimonio eyes repeat of Purefoods win over Air 21 By Henry C. Villalva
PUREFOODS Tender Juicy Giants team manager and four-time PBA MVP Alvin Patrimonio recall that his team found itself trailing the Air 21 Express, 17-13, after rookie Doug Kramer hit an eight-footer and Ranidel de Ocampo made two free throws with a little over three minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Patrimonio told SunStar Bacolod during his November 28 visit in the city to promote the forthcoming Purefoods-Air 21 out-of-town game at the West Negros College Gym on Saturday, December 15, that turned out to be the best challenge his team could get from an oposing squad as the unbeaten Giants woke up right after, got terrific performances from their second unit led by Peter Jun Simon and plastered the Express, 100-81, for their seventh straight victory in the ongoing Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
"Our second unit gave us a huge lift during that game. We have always been waiting for that kind of situation to happen where guys like Simon, (Jondan) Salvador, (Brandon) Cablay and (Chico) Lanete take over the game from James (Yap) and Kerby (Raymundo)," said the pleased Philippine basketball icon.
Patrimonio reiterated with the way his team has improved in terms of character and their desire to win, he has no doubt whatsoever that the Giants will be able to repeat against the Air 21 Express on December 21 when they clash before their Negrense fans.
Asked whether he sees another MVP year for Escalante City native and former Bacolod Tay Tung High School varsity standout James Yap, Patrimonio said he is confident that Yap will be able to sustain what he has been doing for his team so far.
"There may be rules changes that have affected the teams' players in the ongoing PBA season, but there is one sure thing. Those who are quick to adjust will surely stand out. James is doing that by picking up from where he left off after ending the 2006-07 season with back-to-back 40-point games against Welcoat and Coca Cola," Patrimonio, who is known for his moniker "the Captain," said.
The December 15 game, which is being sponsored by West Negros College and Casino Filipino, and also presented by Coca Cola, Rural Bank of Hinigaran, McDonalds, St. Scholastica's Academy, City of Escalante and Ceres Liner is the second PBA out-of-town game to be staged at the renovated WNC Gym following the sellout encounter between Red Bull and Alaska early this year.
