No MC, No Problem

Reigning Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa was a vital part of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel's four-game winning streak. Lodging in almost 23 points a game, Caguioa did not see action in their game against Barako last Sunday due to a Grade 1 MCL Sprain injury. He was advised by doctors to rest for at least a week.

For Ginebra fans, it was a huge cause of concern. Caguioa was the most consistent producer for the Kings. Without the reigning MVP, where will the Kings get offensive production. Answer: LA Tenorio and Vernon Macklin.

Yes, V-Mack and LA stepped up big for BGSM finishing with 33 and 27 points, respectively more than making up for the numbers of MC47. In the first quarter, LA immediately went to work scoring 10 points right away. Macklin, on the other hand, dominated the opponent getting 22 rebounds. Not to mention, the highlight plays.

But it was not only these two players who stepped up but also the other locals. Mac Barracael and Chris Ellis was productive. The Rudy Hatfield of old showed up during the game contributing 7 points plus his hustle and energy. Little Robbie also stood tall that night. The Kid was a grown up that night as well.

In other words, the absence of its acknowledged leader was not felt in that game with solid numbers from its locals. With an offense like that, Ginebra is hard to stop. During that game, BGSM showed that it is not a Mark Caguioa team only but a team that wins with teamwork and defense.

2-Game Winning Streak: Hope This Is The Start

A huge win by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel over Talk n Text 107-100. For the first time this conference, Ginebra won back-to-back games. Led by MC47 and the Tenorio-Macklin connection, the Kings won their second straight game, their 3rd win in the last 4 games. In their last two games, they defeated the defending Commissioner's Cup champions San Mig Coffee Mixers and the champion of the last conference the Talk n Text Tropang Texters.

It was a promising sight for us Ginebra fans who have long been waiting for our favorite team's ninth title. The back-to-back wins reminds me of the last time the Kings won their last title in 2008. With a 0-5 record, Ginebra, who then had Eric Menk, Ronald Tubid, and Sunday Salvacion in their fold, brought in Cris Alexander as their import. The Kings lost two more games before winning 13 straight games to beat Air 21 in the Finals.

Yes, the line-up is much different now. MC47, JJ Helterbrand, Rudy Hatfield is still in the roster. Joining them are a bunch of young guys in Cris Ellis, Keith Jensen, Rico Maierhoffer, Yousef Taha, Mac Barracael who are being groomed as the team's future. But the team is solid from top to bottom. So the prospect of a ninth title is not that remote.

Since his arrival, Vernon Macklin has gone 3-2. His energy in the court, his high-flying moves, and his intensity is slowly but surely rubbing off to his teammates. Something which Herbert Hill obviously lacked. Now, BGSM is on a two-game roll nearing the end of the first round of eliminations and with still 6 games to go in the second round of eliminations.

Mark Caguioa is leading the BPC race for this conference and is second best in scoring. But he is showing why he is the reigning Most Valuable Player of the league. His rejuvenated game is slowly paying dividends for the King.

With a 3-5 record, Ginebra is still very much in contention for the playoffs. They have back-to-back wins at their disposal. With LA seemingly having found his game back and with V-Mac the right fit for BGSM, we BGSM fans are hopeful that this would indeed start the change of fortunes for Ginebra.