Guiao inspired by series vs Coke

Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao said yesterday the Barakos’ situation in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference Finals against Barangay Ginebra isn’t unlike their predicament in the Coca-Cola series.

In the best-of-3 semifinals, Red Bull lost the opener to Coca-Cola but roared back to win two in a row to advance to the Last Dance. Guiao said to win the Fiesta Conference crown, the Barakos must do to the Kings what they did to the Tigers–beat them back-to-back.

"We’re drawing inspiration from the Coca-Cola series," said Guiao. "That’s how it’s been for us all conference. It’s nothing new. We’ve been there before. We’re the PBA’s comeback team. This isn’t over."

Ginebra broke a 1-1 tie in the best-of-5 series by beating Red Bull, 94-84, in Game 3 at the Araneta Coliseum last Sunday. The Kings can wrap it up in Game 4 tonight but if the Barakos win, a no tomorrow Game 5 will be played on Friday.

Guiao claimed Red Bull got a raw deal from the referees in last Sunday’s contest and insisted Kings import Torraye Braggs should’ve fouled out.

"Braggs is being protected by the referees," said Guiao. "Each game, he commits up to nine fouls. In Game 3, I knew from the start where it would lead to. I could sense the direction of the officiating. I turned to Red Bull management during the game and asked if we should continue playing."

Jimwell Torion’s absence was evident particularly as Red Bull couldn’t match the speed of Ginebra’s three-guard combination late in the fourth period. Kings coach Siot Tanquingcen used a zone and the fiery trio of Mark Caguioa, Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Rodney Santos to pull away down the stretch.

Guiao countered by sending in his big lineup with import Victor Thomas at offguard, Junthy Valenzuela at the point, Mick Pennisi at the three spot, Enrico Villanueva at power forward and DaVonn Harp at center. Thomas found himself attacking Caguioa’s defense in the zone formation and scored 16 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. But Ginebra withstood the rally.

"That’s been the pattern at the end of every game–we play big and they play small," said Guiao. "They use quickness to counter our size."

Guiao said Braggs should’ve fouled out for warding off when he drove for the basket in the last few minutes. Instead of picking up his sixth personal, Braggs delivered a three-point play that crushed Red Bull’s comeback hopes for good.

Guiao said he didn’t call a timeout or bring Harp back in when Ginebra sprinted to a pair of 20-point leads in the third period because the players on the floor knew what to do. "It’s not like I copy Phil Jackson’s style but I appreciate his logic of playing out the game," he explained. "I call a timeout for technical adjustments."

The Barakos took Guiao’s cue and razed the deficit to six until Braggs took over.

Tanquingcen said the Kings are bracing for a storm tonight. "For sure, they’ll come back stronger," said the rookie coach.

If Ginebra wins, it will end a seven-year championship drought for the franchise and reward 11 players–including Braggs–with their first-ever taste of a title.