PBA Smart Fiesta Conference Updates "WILDCARD BEGINS"

"The Ginebra Comeback"

The Kings rattled a 6-0 (win-loss) closing in the double-round elimination phase and grabed the last outright slot in the 2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference quarterfinal round with a close fight 97-90 win over the Alaska Milk Aces Sunday night at the Astrodome.

"Credit goes to the players who responded well to the challenge after our 0-5 start in the tourney," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico. "Kinailangan pa namin maghabol. But it feels good getting this tough feat."Ginebra makes a shot at the semifinal round against the survivor of the wildcard round. The other quarterfinals pairing pits Magnolia and Coca-Cola.Air21 (12-6) and Red Bull (11-7) gained the two spots in the semifinals. They will await the winners of the quarterfinals for at least two weeks.Chris Alexander, a major factor in Ginebra’s big rally in the elims, had another HIGHLIGHT REEL performance with 29 rebounds, 18 points, three blocks and two assists against Randy Holcomb and Co.And the Ginebra fast guards Jayjay Helterbrand contributed 18 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds and 2steals, Junthy Valenzuela chipped in 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists and Mark Caguioa added 15 points and 4 rebounds. Caguioa played off-the-bench role, firing seven of his 15 points in the fourth quarter. "Hiningi sa akin ni Mark yun mga big plays and he delivered, showing a mark of a real winner and great player," said Uichico.Holding off the Alaska Ace's Ace players with at least 10 points below (Willie Miller, Randy Holcomb, LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier and J, Thoss)Ronald Tubid failed to finish the game as he suffered a suspected dislocated left ankle. He was rushed to the hospital at halftime.

Score's in the game: (GINEBRA) Helterbrand 20, Alexander 18, Valenzuela 18, Caguioa 15, Menk 8, Tubid 6, Mamaril 4, Artadi 3, Salvacion 3, Pacana 2, Crisano 0.

(ALASKA)Miller 16, Holcomb 15, Tenorio 14, Fonacier 14, Thoss 10, Dela Cruz 9, Cariaso 9, Ferriols 2, Hugnatan 1, Quinahan 0.

=================================================================

(TEAM STANDINGS)
TEAM W-L
1.Air2112-6
2.Red Bull11-7
3.Coca-Cola10-8
4.Brgy. Ginebra10-8
5.Magnolia10-8
6.Alaska9-9
7.Talk N Text9-9
8.Purefoods8-10
9.Sta. Lucia7-11
10.Welcoat4-14

(blue color - Semi finals) (Green color - quarterfinals) (black color - wildcard) ( red eliminated)Wednesday July 9,
2008 Ynares Center
Game 1 4:50 PM (ALASKA VS STA LUCIA)
Game 2 7:20 PM ( TALK n TEXT VS PUREFOODS)

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: J,Helterbrand