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By Krista Montealegre, Reporter
THE Barangay Ginebra Kings and Magnolia Beverage Masters will
try to end their respective quarterfinal showdowns Wednesday in the
2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Center.
The Gin Kings want to carry the momentum of
their come-from-behind win against the Sta. Lucia Realtors on
Sunday.
Junthy Valenzuela starred on that one, draining
two 3-pointers and grabbing a crucial offensive rebound in the
closing minutes of the final period. His heroics came after going
scoreless in the first 36 minutes of play.
But the Gin Kings wouldn’t be in a position to
win if not for the game-long brilliance of Mark Caguioa and import
Chris Alexander. Caguioa, the league’s leading scorer, had 30
points while Alexander doubled up with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
A win by the Gin Kings would set them up for a
colossal semifinal duel opposite the Red Bull Barako Bulls.
But don’t count out the Realtors yet.
The Realtors are seeking their second straight
title following their triumph in the Philippine Cup. They survived
the Alaska Aces and the Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals in the wildcard
phase, thanks to the superb play of Kelly Williams.
Williams, the leading Most Valuable Player
contender, notched 24 points, including 13 in the final period, and
collared 13 rebounds in their last outing.
Meanwhile, the Beverage Masters hope to secure
their second straight appearance in the Final 4 of the Fiesta
Conference as they go up against the Coca-Cola Tigers in the other
game.
Lordy Tugade will try to sustain the form that
netted him the best player of the game honor in the series opener.
He scored 20 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds in their
108-96 win over the Tigers Sunday.
The Beverage Masters need another stellar
performance from their wingmen to cover the absence of Danny Seigle,
who is still a doubtful starter with a mild strain on his
quadriceps.
Amal McCaskill is expected to hold his own
against the two imports of the Tigers. The 7-foot reinforcement had
20 points and 11 rebounds the last time.
His counterparts had sub-par games in the
opener. Jason Dixon, who averaged 22.6 points and 11.7 rebounds
entering the quarterfinals, was held to a conference-low of 6 points
and 7 rebounds. New import Brian Dean, their fourth after Calvin
Cage, Gee Gervin and Donald Copeland, also struggled with eight
points on 3-11 shooting.
A win by Magnolia will give them a shot at
elimination topnotchers Air21 Express in the semifinals.
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