HoopWatch

The Baranggay Ginebra Gin Kings thrashed the San Miguel Beermen in three straight games in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals. After suffering two straight setbacks, Ginebra has redeemed its rightful place as the pre-tournament favorite and are now looking to reclaim the All-Filipino crown. They now lead the series 3-2.

The last of these victories was a 94-82 win over SMB last Wednesday night. All-Star guard Mark Caguioa has been the most consistent Gin King in the tournament. He scored 28 points, but this time he had a lot of help from fellow backcourt teammate and best friend, Jay-Jay Helterbrand, who himself produced 26 points.

San Miguel looked like they were going to bounce back as they held double-digit leads in the second quarter. But Ginebra turned up their defense in the third as they forced turnovers after turnovers on the Beermen. San Miguel had a total of 23 turnovers, while Ginebra only had 12 miscues. More importantly, the Gin Kings scored 28 points off these turnovers.

Danny Seigle and rookie L.A. Tenorio were the lone bright spots for San Miguel. Seigle had 24 points, while Tenorio shot 5-for-8 from three-point distance for a career-high 17-point output. No one else scored in double figures. Guard Dondon Hontiveros grabbed 13 caroms though.

Ginebra forward Rudy Hatfield added 10 points and 12 boards.

Looks like Ginebra has remained true to its forecast. Right before the season even began, Hatfield and Caguioa have boasted that the tournament has long been over, and they will be crowned as champions. Ginebra needs one more game to wrap things up, and they have two chances, tomorrow night and Sunday.

Whether, the series goes to a game seven or not, I still believe crowd-darling Ginebra will win it all. But the odds are better for them if they win it tomorrow night.