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Kings battle Elasto Painters
By WAYLON GALVEZ, Manila Bulletin
Despite injury woes to some key players, Barangay Ginebra tries to keep solo second as it battles win-less Rain or Shine
even as defending champion Talk ’N Text clashes with Purefoods in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup this Sunday at the Araneta
Coliseum.
The Kings (3-1) and the Elasto Painters collide in the main game at 6:30 p.m., right after the 4 p.m. encounter between the
Giants (2-2) and the Tropang Texters (2-1).
Though they dropped their first five games, the Elasto Painters have a slight edge over the Kings who will be playing without
reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa – both out with knee injuries.
But it won’t be a walk in the park, especially in their case since they have been playing below-par.
If the Elasto Painters won’t raise their level of competitiveness, they will be easily beaten by the Kings who are coming off a
94-86 win over the fighting Barako Bull last Friday.
Because of their absence, Ginebra reactivated Johnny Abarrientos, who made his comeback from retirement against the
Energy Boosters.
“We’re back to an unhealthy team,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said. “We’re trying to find ways to win. Hopefully the injured
players can get back soon.”
Uichico said Helterbrand’s injury requires him to rest.
Although they are not on a hurry to bring the 6-foor-1 playmaker back, the Kings are expecting him to return on Saturday
when they play Burger King in the PBA road game presented by Phoenix Fuel in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
Caguioa's condition, according to Uichico, is listed day-to-day.
“Mark will start doing little bit of workout next week. No time table, but assuming the treatment will be successful, if he feels
good, he can return if we see him fit,” said Uichico.
Without the pair, the Kings are likely to turn to Cyrus Baguio and Ronald Tubid, who combined for 29 points against Barako
Bull.
Ginebra’s frontline also got a big boost with the return of Eric Menk, who was sidelined with a foot injury but came back
against Barako Bull where he collected 12 points and six rebounds. Rico Villanueva also dished decent numbers with 14
and eight boards.
After missing the previous game, the Elasto Painters will welcome coach Caloy Garcia, who sustained bruises after he got
involved in a vehicular accident early this week in Pasig City following a team mass.
Compared to last season’s all-Filipino when it made to the quarters, Rain or Shine is not displaying the kind of intensity this
conference. Though disappointed, team owners Terry Que and Raymund Yu are still optimistic that the team can
accomplish their goal.
They are nursing a 77-93 loss to San Miguel Beer last Sunday.
By WAYLON GALVEZ, Manila Bulletin
Despite injury woes to some key players, Barangay Ginebra tries to keep solo second as it battles win-less Rain or Shine
even as defending champion Talk ’N Text clashes with Purefoods in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup this Sunday at the Araneta
Coliseum.
The Kings (3-1) and the Elasto Painters collide in the main game at 6:30 p.m., right after the 4 p.m. encounter between the
Giants (2-2) and the Tropang Texters (2-1).
Though they dropped their first five games, the Elasto Painters have a slight edge over the Kings who will be playing without
reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa – both out with knee injuries.
But it won’t be a walk in the park, especially in their case since they have been playing below-par.
If the Elasto Painters won’t raise their level of competitiveness, they will be easily beaten by the Kings who are coming off a
94-86 win over the fighting Barako Bull last Friday.
Because of their absence, Ginebra reactivated Johnny Abarrientos, who made his comeback from retirement against the
Energy Boosters.
“We’re back to an unhealthy team,” Ginebra coach Jong Uichico said. “We’re trying to find ways to win. Hopefully the injured
players can get back soon.”
Uichico said Helterbrand’s injury requires him to rest.
Although they are not on a hurry to bring the 6-foor-1 playmaker back, the Kings are expecting him to return on Saturday
when they play Burger King in the PBA road game presented by Phoenix Fuel in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
Caguioa's condition, according to Uichico, is listed day-to-day.
“Mark will start doing little bit of workout next week. No time table, but assuming the treatment will be successful, if he feels
good, he can return if we see him fit,” said Uichico.
Without the pair, the Kings are likely to turn to Cyrus Baguio and Ronald Tubid, who combined for 29 points against Barako
Bull.
Ginebra’s frontline also got a big boost with the return of Eric Menk, who was sidelined with a foot injury but came back
against Barako Bull where he collected 12 points and six rebounds. Rico Villanueva also dished decent numbers with 14
and eight boards.
After missing the previous game, the Elasto Painters will welcome coach Caloy Garcia, who sustained bruises after he got
involved in a vehicular accident early this week in Pasig City following a team mass.
Compared to last season’s all-Filipino when it made to the quarters, Rain or Shine is not displaying the kind of intensity this
conference. Though disappointed, team owners Terry Que and Raymund Yu are still optimistic that the team can
accomplish their goal.
They are nursing a 77-93 loss to San Miguel Beer last Sunday.