Kings Lead Race For '5'

by **Ginebra Tambayan** Sun Mar 25, 2012 7:55 am

Kings Lead Race For '5'
By WAYLON GALVEZ
March 24, 2012, 10:56pm

Games Sunday (Smart-Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – B-Meg vs Powerade

6:30 p.m. – Barako Bull vs Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines — With three teams already assured of quarterfinal slots, Barangay Ginebra, Barako Bull and Powerade try to boost their own chances in a pair of crucial games in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Following Alaska’s 102-100 overtime victory Friday night against Powerade, the Aces (5-4) have earned a seat in the quarterfinals along with defending champion Talk ’N Text (5-2) and B-Meg (5-3).

With the magic number now at ‘five’ wins to enter the second round, expect another exciting finish as the Kings (4-3) play the Energy (4-4) at 6:30 p.m., right after the 4:15 p.m. encounter between the Tigers (4-4) and the Llamados.

Sister teams B-Meg and Ginebra are also hoping to improve their respective bids of clinching outright berths in the semifinals, which will be given to the top two teams after the eliminations. Only the top six teams will advance to the next round while the last four will be eliminated automatically.

Both the Kings and the Energy are coming off big wins last week.

Ginebra is fresh from a 94-91 overtime win against TNT last Sunday where veteran forward Rudy Hatfield recorded a personal-best 30 points with 14 rebounds.

However, Barako Bull is also coming off wins against Petron Blaze (94-80) and Meralco (89-82).

“We have to be mentally prepared going to the game,” said Barako Bull head coach Junel Baculi, who will rely on his import Rodney White, as well as local mainstays like former two-time MVP Willie Miller, Wynne Arboleda, Danny Seigle, Dorian Pena and current internet sensation Mick Pennisi.

Pennisi, who joined the 700 three-point club – which includes Allan Caidic, Ronnie Magsanoc, Al Solis, Dondon Hontiveros, Ren-Ren Ritualo and Miller – in their previous game, gained international fame with his ‘flop’ when Petron import Will McDonald threw the ball in his head during their game.

That led to McDonald’s automatic ejection and the Energy took advantage of the situation to win two consecutive games.

“We have to sustain the momentum gained in our last two wins. It’s easier said than done, but we’ll be there the whole game and compete for that all important fifth win,” Baculi said.

Source: Manila Bulletin