Ginebra locals take charge, wins over B-Meg

In a league that puts a premium on scoring, it should come as no surprise that the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings have won their second straight game despite missing the services of super import Curtis Stinson. Not when you have the luxury of scorers like Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid, John Wilson, Eric Menk and even a still-groping-for-form Jayjay Helterbrand at your disposal.

Yesterday’s come-from-behind 89-85 victory over the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados is proof that when motivated, this team can hold its own against some of the better teams in the league regardless with or without an import AND even two time Most Valuable Player awardee Willie Miller.

To their credit, the Llamados came up with a superb game but was just outplayed in the fourth canto. Import Darnell Hinson played like his job was on the line (which was rumored to be the case), while James Yap and PJ Simon chipped in 14 a piece. It should be noted that new addition Joe DeVance started the game waxing hot, taking advantage of his high basketball IQ and feathery touch to dismantle the Kings’ defensive gameplan early on, only to fizzle out as the game progressed (why am I not surprised?).

According to reports, the Kings’ are all set to fly in another D-League veteran to replace the injured Stinson, but I don’t think anyone minds seeing the Kings’ guards take over games (specially those who have been begging Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico to play Helterbrand, Caguioa, Wilson, Tubid, Labagala and even Miller or Aquino—if he ever cracks their rotation).