Gin Kings hope to reign anew

MANILA, Philippines – The Barangay Ginebra Kings are a heartbeat away from repeating as champs.

With the pivotal 3-2 lead, the Barangay Ginebra Kings go for the kill against the embattled San Miguel Beermen, hoping to wrap up the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference crown in Game Six that is expected to draw another capacity crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

Jayjay Helterbrand, the season MVP winner, wants it done so he can be with the members of the Powerade RP team leaving the country tomorrow for the Jones Cup competition in Taipei.

Import David Noel doesn’t want to settle for anything less than the PBA championship after passing up an invitation to play for the New York Knicks in a summer league now ongoing in the US.

The rest of the Kings are raring to deliver the killer blow to become the first team in seven years to successfully defend a title in the league.

“It will be a hell of a game. It’s going to be a war because they want to get even while our team wants to finish the series,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

Chico Lanete, who played a key role in their 106-98 win in Game Five, said their biggest motivation is for them not to return to practice anymore after Game Six.

“We’re already tired. We want to rest with the championship trophy in our hands,” said Lanete.

San Miguel coach Siot Tanquingcen, however, is confident they can force a deciding Game Seven.

“I’m still optimistic about it. God gave us the opportunity to be here. The eight other teams would kill themselves to be here. There’s still no reason for us to feel down because they still need to win a game to get the championship. We just have to get even then take it from there,” said Tanquingcen.

No team has two in a row in the series. If the trend continues, San Miguel is expected to extend the series to a final showdown.

Despite being on the threshold of a title conquest, Uichico remains wary of an SMB comeback.

“We like to be up 3-2 but we know what San Miguel is capable of doing. We hope we can play better today ,” said Uichico.

The Kings outplayed the Beeremen as Noel redeemed himself from being the goat in Game Four while Jayjay Helterbrand and Eric Menk had significant contributions despite enduring injuries.

“Good thing Jayjay (Helterbrand) and Eric (Menk) were able to play. And David, being a real competitor, made up for his crucial free throw misses in Game Four in a big way,” said Uichico.

The amiable Ginebra mentor said Noel is determined to win the championship after missing the opportunity to play for the Knicks.

“The offer came Saturday. But a professional that he is, Noel decided to stay on and honor his commitment with us,” said Uichico. [source: Philstar]