Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Ginebra, Magnolia to shake up semis
SISTER teams Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia Beverage enjoyed psychological edge when they seek for a 2-0 lead against separate foes today in the best-of-seven semifinal round of the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Kings, fresh from their 108-82 win in game one, are set to capitalize on the hamstring injury of the 7’0 Adam Parada of Red Bull in their 4:50 p.m. match.
But the Beverage Masters are expected to encounter rough sailing with the return of Steven Thomas in the Air 21 bench of their 7:20 p.m. encounter.
Despite the injury of Parada, coach Yeng Guiao expressed confidence Red Bull, which is on its 6th straight best-of-7 semifinal appearance, can still give the Kings a tougher opposition.
No replacement
Guiao said they will no longer replace the Mexican import, saying it’s too late already to find an able replacement now that the NBA camps in the US have started rolling.
Parada played only for 23 minutes and could only manage six points on 2-of-8 shooting and 8 rebounds in the first game that paved way for the 7’0 Chris Alexander to produce 16 points on top of 17 rebounds and three block shots for an easy blow-out by the Kings.
The Barakos, the 2005 Fiesta Conference titlist and 2005 Philippine Cup runner-up, are eyeing a 3rd Finals appearances in the last 6 conferences and 6th overall since entering the league in 2000.
And with already three 3 titles in their fold, Guiao hopes the experiences will work on his locals particularly Cyrus Baguio, Leo Najorda, Jojo Duncil, Mick Pennissi, Michael Hrabak, Topex Robinson and Richie Alvarez.
On the other hand, Ginebra, which is on its 5th semis stint in the last 10 conferences, will be aiming for their 9th straight win, its would-be longest streak in franchise history.
Tight battles
The Kings’ record of 12 wins against three losses since Alexander replaced Ernest Brown, speaks highly for their import’s capability to contend a much tighter battles.
In the other semis, coach Bo Perasol said the Express are in high spirits with the return of 6’9” Thomas, who was drafted No. 4 for the Korean League in a training camp recently in Las Vegas.
With Thomas around, the 6’10” Amar McCaskill of Magnolia has a lot of works to do to keep the momentum. The absence of Thomas in the first game enabled McCaskill to finish with 34 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Meanwhile, the PBA meted Air 21 a huge fine of P50,000 for playing without an import during the opening of the semis last Sunday. (Frank Calapre)
