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Fiesta Cup quarters on
Source : Staff   
Saturday, 12 July 2008 22:51

After surviving two knockout games, Barangay Ginebra coach Jong Uichico knows how dangerous Sta. Lucia Realty is right now. "We have to match their hustle and intensity," Uichico said as the Kings battle the Realtors in Game 1 of their best-of-three quarterfinals in the Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup today at the Astrodome in Pasay City. The Gin Kings battle the Realtors at 6:50 p.m. while clashing in a separate series at 4:30 p.m. are Magnolia Beverage and Coca-Cola. Coke, Magnolia and Ginebra earned outright quarterfinal tickets after finishing tied for third all with 10-8 win-loss cards. Sta. Lucia, on the other hand, survived two knockout games in the wildcard phase, dethroning Alaska, 99-86, last Wednesday, before beating Talk ’N Text, 111-96, two days later in Antipolo City. Waiting in the semifinals are Air21 (12-6) and Red Bull (11-7), who claimed automatic berths for finishing with the two best records after the elimination round. The Kings and the Realtors split their elimination round encounters this conference, with the latter winning in the first round last April 12, 101-97, although at that time, SLR had as import Wesley Wilson while Ginebra was with Earnest Brown. Sta. Lucia now has Lee Benson, who had 27 points and 26 rebounds in their latest win against the Phone Pals. According to Sta. Lucia governor and team manager Buddy Encarnado, Benson agreed to stay and what happened the other night when the latter mentioned his intentions to leave the team was just a misunderstanding. "He already assured me that he will play and help the team win back-to-back titles," Encarnado said. As for Ginebra, the team started with Rashon Turner, who only played two games when he got injured. Ernest Brown, a 7-footer, replaced him. But after three games, he was sent home as the Kings tabbed another 7-footer in Chris Alexander Through 13 games, Alexander averaged 20.5 points, as well as 22.5 boards and 3.0 shot blocks – both league best. Ginebra won its last six games, which started with a 112-104 victory against SLR last June 6. However, Uichico is putting premium on tough defense against one of the best defensive teams this season, saying: "Hopefully we could counter their defense." Guard Ronald Tubid is out with a dislocated left ankle but Uichico can still rely on local mainstays Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, Eric Menk and Billy Mamaril to back-up Alexander. SLR mentor Boyet Fernandez said that Ginebra is a tough team to beat, although he expressed confidence on his team after surviving two do-or-die games. "Yes we’re tired physically but our spirits are high," he said. "This will b a physical game, I just hope that the referees will just be consistent on their calls. This will be an exciting series." Aside from Benson, the Realtors will also have Kelly Williams Ryan Reyes, Joseph Yeo, who averaged 28 points per game in the wildcard, and Nelbert Omolon. Equally exciting is the series between Coke and Magnolia, which also split their conference showdown with the Tigers winning first last May 9 (106-92) then the Beverage Masters bounced back in the second round last June (81-77). "It’s always hard playing against Coke, they’re a strong team tapos dalawa pa import nila," Magnolia coach Siot Tnaquingcen said. "The key for us is going to be defense and our local contribution." Backing up import Amal McCaskill are locals Danny Seigle, Danny Ildefonso, Don-Don Hontiveros, Lordy Tugade, Mike Cortez and Olsen Racela. As for the Tigers, they will parade a new import in Bandon Dean, who will team-up with Jason Dixon while providing support are Asi Taulava, Nic Belasco, Cesar Catli, Mark Macapagal and rookie Ronjay Buenafe.
 
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