MANILA: Here they are again - both the Alaska Aces and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.
The Aces took a 2-0 lead over Ginebra in their best-of-seven semifinal series in the Philippine Cup after a 90-82 victory on Friday night, and Alaska coach Tim Cone was quick to point out that his squad has bungled such a lead before and that the Kings have very recently come back from one such deficit.
“Bottom line is Ginebra has been here before, we have been here before,” Cone told reporters, as he downplayed what now seems like a huge advantage over the crowd-darlings, who showed up two key men short.
Alaska also took a 2-0 lead the last time it was in a best-of-seven series, in the Finals of this tournament against Talk ‘N Text last year. The Aces then lost Game 7 narrowly.
“And what’s even scarier is the fact that Ginebra was also in the same situation they’re now in,” he added, referring to the Kings’ comeback from 0-2 down in their best-of-five quarterfinal series to beat defending champion Talk ‘N Text.
“At least we fought it out tonight,” Ginebra’s Jong Uichico said. “It’s a far better game for us compared to the one we played (in the series opener). If we lose fighting, then we lose. But it’s hard to accept a loss where you hardly tried (to win).
“We’ve been here before (in a 0-2 deficit),” Uichico continued. “We go back to the drawing board and take it one game at a time. I think if we come out on Sunday with the same frame of mind, we have a good shot at winning (Game 3).”
Willie Miller scored 18 points, had seven assists and six rebounds in another fine all-around display, while Tony dela Cruz contributed 14 points and plucked down 16 boards to make a big difference in the outcome.
Eric Menk is nursing a pulled groin and remains doubtful for Game 3, while Celino Cruz was also in civilian clothes because of a right ankle sprain. Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Marc Caguioa, Ginebra’s 1-2 punch who are still recovering from injuries, had a combined 15 points.
And while Alaska made it two straight over the Kings, Purefoods bounced back from a lackluster Game 1 performance to pound the San Miguel Beermen silly, 103-84, and level their separate series at 1-all.
Drawing big games from Rafi Reavis and Nino Canaleta, the Giants broke away early and never looked back against the Beermen, who flashed form way short of the ones they played in ruling the series opener by 16 points.
Reavis produced his highest output in six years with 20 points and had 12 rebounds, while Canaleta came off the bench to contribute 17 points on his 28th birthday as Purefoods notched its first victory over San Miguel in four games this season.
What’s also important is that the Tender Juicy Giants now have psychological edge going into the crucial third game which is also scheduled tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We had a tremendous effort, we had tremendous energy,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio. “We defended well and we made stops. It’s nice to finally win against San Miguel.
“But there’s nothing special in this win other than we cut this series to a best-of-5.”
Purefoods lost Kerby Raymundo to two technical fouls in the second quarter but didn’t slow down one bit, racing to leads of as many as 24 points before going on to deal the Beermen their worst loss in more than a year.
Raymundo was called for successive technical fouls and was automatically ejected with 4:11 left in the second quarter. He was scoreless for just the second time in his career after playing just eight minutes and failing to attempt a shot.
Danny Seigle came off the bench to score 16 points and Arwind Santos had 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Beermen, the second seeds. Dondon Hontiveros added 13 while Jay Washington contributed 10 for San Miguel.
“We got our ass kicked, simple as that,” San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen said. “We came out flat and they came out with a lot of energy. They won the rebounding battle, and in rebounding, it takes more effort that talent.”
San Miguel, which is possibly the biggest team in the league, was outrebounded 51-44.
