And so we go.. to Game 7

Originally posted here

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This is it ladies and gentlemen. No more buts, no more ifs, no more tomorrow. Come Wednesday, both teams will lay it all on the line.

For Air 21 well.. they proved everyone wrong. They are not some 1 trick pony who got lucky all the way to the Championship. This team is a legit, for real, in your face contender who can beat any team any given day. For Ginebra, well, let's just say that this is where the never say die attitude comes in. Game 2 they got blown out, they lost Jayjay. Now Mark Caguioa is complaining an injury in his knee and we all know that Paul Artadi and Ronald Tubid isn't healthy BUT they still managed to hang on, and force a do or die game come Wednesday.

So let's put all of that aside now and let's talk about the major concerns for both teams come Game 7.

First point: The Flunked and the Dubious

It's no secret. Ginebra, regardless if Caguioa and Jayjay plays at Wednesday, will be playing without a healthy fast and the furious. And we all know what the tandem brings to the team. Well, it's only about 42 points and 8 assists a game. Not only that, it assures them offensive stability and it definitely boosts the crowd whenever they finish a fastbreak. So definitely, regardless of what happens at Wednesday.. we all know it will be a big disadvantage for Ginebra. So what do they need to do to fill the gap that their injured stars made?

Point 1.1: Get their next three guards going

Artadi and Pacana needs to step up badly. We all have seen what happens when Chris and Paul plays a great game together. Ronald Tubid's return should help Ginebra's cause, especially on energy and offense. All three guys needs to play like it's the last games of their careers to draw Ginebra closer to the trophy.

Point 1.2: Tighten up on the defensive end

No matter how hard those three guys try.. they can never match Helterbrand and Caguioa's offensive numbers. But, their defensive intensity makes up for their lack of offensive power.

Tubid, Pacana and Artadi has all done a magnificent job on defending Gary David, Arwind Santos and Wynne Arboleda (All biggger guys btw) and if somehow they limit the trio to atleast 10 points a piece then chalk one trophy up for BGK.

Point 2: Defending the paint

In the past three games, BGK's bread and butter has been the paint. Take for example, Air 21's main problem, Chris Alexander. This guy has been the main reason why the Kings are still alive in this series. In the past two games, Alexander averaged 29 PPG and 22.5 RPG. They need to find a way to stop Alexander or else, they're doomed.

Another problem in this series for the Express has been Eric Menk. Up to now, I've never seen anyone in the Air 21 roster (Except for Steve Thomas of course) who can guard Eric Menk. Eric has been productive as of late and that's not because he's eating some magic beans before the game or some ancient necromancer revived his old self but mainly because of the lack of defense the Express has shown in the past couple of games. He's just too strong for Ranidel and too experienced and skilled for Kramer and Se. He's a problem that also needs to be solved come game time.

Now, I have no coaching experience ever (Except for some stints in Barangay leagues. Lawlz) but if I were Coach Bo, I would gamble with a zone right now. I'd rather let guys like Artadi and Pacana take long jumpers than let Eric Menk and Chris Alexander eat up my boys in the paint. It's a pretty good risk for me.. what do you guys think?

Point 3: Inexperience factor, relevant?

We all have seen how the SL Realtors pulled an upset to Purefoods last conference. Sending all the experience talk down to the trash can. But, not every team possesses the same kind of mentality that the Realtors showed last conference. I'm not trying to bring any team down but with the way the Express played in the last 24 minutes, I might have a point.

Take for example, Arwind Santos taking up three contested three pointers from Eastwood Libis QC. Or Wynne Arboleda forcing up shots late in the game or Steven Thomas giving up shots in the time when he really needs to dominate or Coach Bo's face every time Ginebra makes a basket. Those are all signs of the game-clinch pressures and you might not notice it but take a look at how Ginebra easily fought back from a 16 point advantage. That's a clear sign that they're not ready for the pressure, the feeling that they're that damn close to a Championship. And hopefully for Air 21, everybody learned from the Game 6 breakdown experience.

Well, come game time this Wednesday, everything that happened in the past wouldn't matter. I know it's an old cliche but the game will definitely go to the team who wants it the most. See you at Game 7 guys!