BARANGAY GINEBRA coach Siot Tangquincen thought his team defended well to score a 93-83 victory over the Air21 Express last night in the San Mig Coffee 2005 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Perhaps they’re trying to defend their hair too.
The Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals, playing against the Alaska Aces at press time, showed up bald after losing to the Express in their previous game.
"Mark (Caguioa) sacrificed his offense to focus on Ren-Ren at the other end," said Tangquincen."Romel (Adducul) also did a good job against (Shawn) Daniels."
Ritualo, who continued to sink at least a three-pointer in every game this season, finished with only 14 points on 5-of-20 shooting (25%).
The Kings, starring Eric Menk, seized control early and doused the repeated rallies of the Express to post their fourth straight win and sixth in nine games. They’re undefeated in four games with Menk back on their fold.
Menk finished with 17 points and 17 rebounds for his second straight double-double.
The Express trimmed the gap to 76-84 with 4:48 to go and had several chances to come closer down the stretch, but the Kings made some crucial defensive gems.
Sean Lampley swatted away a fastbreak by Wynne Arboleda, which could have pulled the Express to within six. Ronald Tubid also had a shot to cut the deficit to six, but couldn’t find the basket in the middle of the Kings’ towers inside the paint.
"We know that the (Express) love to play open court basketball that’s why I emphasized defense sa game plan namin," said Tangquincen.
With their big men at work, the Kings virtually made the shaded lane their kingdom in the first half. They led 57-43 at the turn with Menk and Adducul combining for 20 points and 14 rebounds. The Express offered some resistance through their outside shooting, converting 6-of13 tries from beyond the arc. The Kings went 0-of-2 from downtown in the first half.
In the second game, Talk ’N Text regained a share of the lead with idle Purefoods at 6-2 after beating Alaska Milk, 101-79.
