Ginebra "Gin Kings" Exact Revenge on San Miguel "Beermen": 98-86
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(Enrico Villanueva puts up a shot over Mick Pennisi and the outstretched arms of Dondon Hontiveros - Photo Credit: Nuki Sabio, PBA Photographer)
Barangay Ginebra "Gin Kings" vs. San Miguel "Beermen"
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The teams begin league play with a revenge match, after facing each other in the Fiesta Conference Finals just three months ago. In that series, the Gin Kings led 3-2 going into the sixth game, but dropped the next two games to give the Beermen the Fiesta Conference Championship.
These two teams also met in the Philippine Cup Playoffs last year, with the Beermen winning the Quarterfinal series 2-1.
The Ginebra team returns largely intact, with ten of last year's roster members remaining. They drafted Kevin White (5-11, 185 lbs) 19th overall in the second round of the recent PBA draft, and they acquired three other players via the trade board.
San Miguel has no rookies, but added three new players, including All-Star Arwind Santos, while retaining eleven from last year's squad. San Miguel and defending Philippine Cup Champion Talk 'N Text share the distinction of not having any rookies this year.
The first half was well-contended by both teams, as the teams and the fans came out screaming.
The Beermen took the first quarter 29-21 behind 8 points from Danny Ildefonso and 7 points from Mick Pennisi.
In the second quarter, Ginebra struck back, eventually tying the game at 32-apiece, with 6:09 remaining in the half.
The crowd began chanting "Gin-e-bra!" and the team responded, outscoring the Beermen 28-14 in the second quarter, and went into halftime with a 49-43 lead.
Leading the comeback for the Gin Kings was JayJay Helterbrand with 7 points and 3 boards, but this was clearly a team effort, as seven players scored in the quarter.
With the crowd squarely behind them, Ginebra kept the Beermen at bay throughout the second half, with the brewery boys never posing a serious threat.
Ginebra was led by Eric Menk with 19 points and 9 rebounds, Mark Caguioa, and Jayjay Helterbrand with 17 points apiece and 2 and 7 rebounds, respectively. Ronald Tubid (12 pts, 9 rebs) and Willy Wilson (10 pts, 4 rebs) also scored in double figures.
For the Beermen, Danny Idelfonso posted 19 points and 2 rebounds, while Mike Cortez was his only teammate in double figures with 10 points and 2 rebounds. Arwind Santos and Donan Pena were board wizards, with 12 and 15 rebounds.
Both teams played well and with intensity, but the Gin Kings put the pieces in place better for this tie-up.
Cyrus Baguio, who was the star for the PowerAde-Filipinas National Team at the FIBA-Asia tournament didn't score much, with only four points, but had two rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block, in 13 minutes of play.
The Beermen face the Alaska Aces this Saturday, in Davao. Next up for the Gin Kings are the Purefoods "Tender Juicy Giants" on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum in Manila.
