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Barangay Ginebra Kings Shoot For Win # 2

The Barangay Ginebra Kings will try to shoot for their second win in the series. A win will give the Kings a better advantage over rival Air21 Express and will move them closer to the coveted championship.

Some key points to watch out for the Kings are complacency after getting a big lead and turnovers, which the opposing teams could easily capitalize on their fastbreak game.

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GINEBRA TRIES TO GO 2 UP
But anything can happen – Coach Jong

Source: Philippine Basketball Association
Thursday, 07 August 2008

Game 1 looked pretty easy for the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

And for the majority of the 16,028 souls that filled the Araneta Coliseum up to the rafters Wednesday night, this best-of-seven titular basketball series could be over sooner than later.

Without doubt, the Kings were simply too good for the Air21 Express in the opener of the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference Finals. After falling behind by 10 just a couple of minutes into the first quarter, Ginebra quickly picked up its rhythm and went on to win Game 1, 105-96.

It was the Kings' 13th consecutive victory dating back to the eliminations, in the process matching Alaska's record established 12 years ago.

Records show that 45 of 69 basketball teams that won the opener of a seven-gamme basketball affair went on to win the basketball series.

The winning percentage of basketball teams taking Game 1 is certainly appealing but Ginebra coach Jong Uichico doesn't subscribe to it.

"We have the advantage because we are ahead. But that's about it. Both basketball teams are making adjustments for the next gamme and anything can happen. Definitely, nothing is given in this basketball series," said Uichico, who expects an intense battle in Game 2, scheduled 7 p.m. Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

While he was pleased with the way his troops handled things in Game 1, the Ginebra coach cited a few concerns, which he said, could cost them the basketball series if left unchecked.

Apparently, complacency is Uichico's biggest worry, citing the third period in the opener when the Kings nearly allowed a 20-point lead to evaporate and gave the Express a chance to turn the basketball gamme around in the closing minutes.

"We can't afford to be complacent. Air21 knows how to capitalize on the breaks," Uichico, seeking an eighth basketball championship.

He also said the Kings will have to minimize their turnovers. Ginebra committed 17 errors in Game 1 that netted the Express 19 points.

While he admitted his basketball team was badly outplayed in Game 1, Bo Perasol, the Air21 coach, said he expects his boys to make up for their shortcomings in Game 2 and tie the basketball series.

"We had a good start but we failed to sustain it," said Perasol, who also conceded that import Steven Thomas was outplayed by counterpart Chris Alexander.

"Obviously, Steve will have to do a better job next gamme," he said.

Besides Alexander, the Express will have to also find a way to contain Mark Caguioa, who turned in 22 points in Game 1.

"Defense will be a key for us in the basketball series. We must prevent them (Ginebra) from executing their fastbreak gamme,” Perasol said.

Ginebra scored 22 points on 16 fastbreak attempts in Game 1.

The inability of Wynne Arboleda, Homer Se and Nino Canaleta to contribute offensively also took its toll on Air21 in Game 1. The trio scored just 16 points on a combined 6-of-24 shooting. (DBC)