The set is stage. Game 7 Manila Classico. Ginebra vs. San Mig Coffee. Mark Caguioa vs. James Yap. Undoubtedly the two most popular teams in the PBA going for all the marbles. What else can fans ask for? More so it was the first Game 7 between the two teams. Throw down all the stats because it was going to be a war. The gate attendance said it all - 24,883, the biggest crowd in league history.
But what fans expected to be a slugfest turned into a rout. The experience of the San Mig Coffee Mixers paid off in the end.Playing in their second straight semifinals, San Mig emerged victorious getting the right to face its nemesis Rain or Shine. Inexperience showed in the faces of the Kings. Only Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand, and Billy Mamaril had playoff experience. Mark tried to carry his team on his shoulders but it was too much of a burden in the end game.The usually steady LA Tenorio wilted to the pressure. Greg Slaughter who was a dominant figure during the series was checked.
Things are looking bright for Ginebra though. Greg Slaughter, the no, 1 pick in the last draft, can be the dominant big man that Ginebra has been missing since losing Marlou Aquino and Eric Menk. Four double doubles during the series and four 20 points game. That's what you call dominance. And this is just his first conference. He has an able partner in Japeth Aguilar who dominated the eliminations with nearly 20 points a game but faded in the San Mig series. Imagine what could have happened if Japeth had gotten his usual numbers? Together, the Twin Towers will be the cornerstone of Ginebra's future.
LA Tenorio, the Iron Man of the PBA,Gilas stlawart, and Jones Cup MVP, was absent in Game 7. But we all know what he can do. I can still remember his buzzer beaters against Ginebra. He can still do that. I know he will bounce back. Ginebra will be his team once MC47 retires. Mark Caguioa proved his critics wrong when he single handedly almost carried Ginebra on his shoulders. Vintage MC47 in Game 7. He proved to everyone that he still got game. Truly, he is the "heart" of the Ginebra franchise.
Yes, Ginebra may have lost but the admiration of their fans will continue to grow stronger. They may have failed to enter the Finals and contend for the crown but their resurgence in the eliminations as well as in the playoffs are signs of things to come for the Kings. Their quest for their elusive 9th crown continues. One thing is for sure: we, their fans,will be there with them when they reclaim their lost glory.
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