Gin Kings may play semis without Caguioa

Gin Kings may play semis without Caguioa

SATURDAY, 07 APRIL 2012 18:14 JOEL ORELLANA
MARK CAGUIOA is expected to miss a few games—but very important ones—in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, according to Barangay Ginebra head coach Siot Tanquingcen.
Caguioa sustained a fracture in the orbital rim in his right eye after suffering a bad fall in their March 30 game with B-MEG. He will again see the doctor on Tuesday to determine if surgery is needed to repair the damage.

“After the checkup, doon pa lang made-determine ang chance kung makakalaro pa. The first few games [of the semifinals], medyo malabo na,” said Tanquingcen. “Sabi kasi ng doctor, we have to wait one more week for the checkup. Kailangan pang pababain ang swelling.”

Caguioa, one of the more fired-up Gin Kings in the latter part of the conference, was accidentally tripped while going for the basket in the third quarter of their game against the Llamados. He sat out the rest of the game but the Kings went on to win, 93-84, to claim the No. 2 seed and the second automatic semifinals seat.

Tanquingcen admitted that Caguioa’s absence will be felt in their semifinal campaign. Caguioa has been playing consistently and is a top contender for the Best Player of the Conference award, along with Powerade’s Gary David and Mark Cardona.

On their semifinals campaign, which could either be against B-MEG or Meralco, Tanquingcen was cautious with his reply.

“Parehong malakas,” said Tan-quingcen. “Each team has its own strength, and that’s the dilemma. I think we just have to prepare for both.”

(Joel Orellana)


Source: Businessmirror.com.ph