Sunday, July 27, 2008 Ginebra goes for sweep vs. Red Bull; Magnolia eyes equalizer
MANILA—No team has ever come back following 0-3 deficit in a best-of seven series and Barangay Ginebra will make sure that remains true as it goes for a historic sweep over Red Bull today in Game 4 of the semifinal series of the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Riding on the crest of their 3-0 commanding lead, the Kings try to defy history when they battle the Barakos anew at 4:30 p.m., while Magnolia Beverage try to level a 1-2 deficit against Air 21 in their own semifinal series at 6:50 p.m.
The Kings’ 94-91 win in Game 3 last Friday, stretched their winning run to 11, their longest ever in franchise history and moved them just two wins away from matching the all-time high 13-game winning streak by Alaska in the 1996 Governors Cup.
Amazing
So amazing were the Kings that they outrebounded the Barakos, 60-48, for the third straight game. They are already 14-3 since 7-foot import Chris Alexander replaced Ernest Brown and are 14-5 since acquiring Junthy Valenzuela from Red Bull last April 14 in exchange for their 2009 2nd round and 2010 1st round draft picks.
A win by the Kings will move them to their first Finals appearance since the 2006 Philippine Cup and 17th overall in franchise history.
In an import-laden conference, Ginebra is eyeing its ninth Finals stint.
The Barakos, the only team who have been in the best-of-seven semis since 2005, are down 0-3 for the first time in franchise history.
The Kings opened the series with a 108-82 rout on July 20 and followed it up with a convincing 111-101 win in the second match last July 23.
Air 21, which is seeking their first Finals appearance since joining the league in 2002, enjoyed a 2-1 edge over Magnolia following an 82-78 triumph in Game 3 also last Friday at the Ynares Center.
After losing Game 1, 113-87, the Express, with 6-foot-9 import Steven Thomas back in the fold, bounced back by taking game two, 103-102. (FCC)
