Hatfield predicts Game 7

Barangay Ginebra forward Rudy Hatfield said the other day he wouldn’t be surprised if the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) best-of-7 semifinal series between the Kings and Talk "N" Text will go the distance.

"I see it going seven games," said Hatfield who joined Ginebra in an offseason trade last August. "This is a war."

Hatfield, 29, scored 20 points and grabbed 19 rebounds in 38 minutes in Ginebra’s 109-100 loss to the Phone Pals in Game 3 at the Big Dome last Sunday. He fueled the Kings’ fourth quarter surge that trimmed the deficit from 17 to four but the Phone Pals held on to take a 2-1 series lead.

Ginebra’s leading scorer Mark Caguioa, hounded by Harvey Carey and Mark Cardona all night, went blank in the final period even as he finished with 26 points.

The key to the Phone Pals’ victory was coach Derick Pumaren’s masterful change of pace. In the first period, Talk ‘N’ Text tried to outrace Ginebra on the break and couldn’t make headway. It’s tough to beat the Kings in a footrace. But in the second quarter, Donbel Belano slowed down the pace and the Phone Pals broke away to lead, 63-49, at the turn. Jimmy Alapag, who likes to run, sat on the bench the entire second period while Belano set the table for Pumaren’s cruise control.

Ginebra ignited a rally down the stretch but ran out of steam. Asi Taulava broke loose from the Kings’ tight guarding to scatter nine points in the final 12 minutes as Ginebra’s post defense softened. It didn’t help that Billy Mamaril had fouled out earlier.

Taulava was held to only two points in the first three quarters but had three assists and 13 rebounds. Ginebra concentrated its defense on Taulava who didn’t seem to mind playing decoy and repeatedly kicked out to open shooters and cutters.

How Ginebra plays defense on Asi could decide the outcome not only in Game 4 tonight but the entire series. The trick is for Taulava to commit himself and take away his passing options. That means Ginebra must gamble on single coverage and delay the double until there is a clear move to score.

In Game 3, RenRen Ritualo sizzled for 29 points, knocking down 6-of-8 triples. Cardona also waxed hot, scoring 18 points, all in the second half. Talk ‘N’ Text’s La Salle connection has become a huge headache for Ginebra coach Joseph Uichico who now must reconfigure his defense to not only clog the lane but also track the shooters in the perimeter.

A statistic to watch is rebounding. The team with more rebounds has won every game in the series.

Ginebra drew first blood by whipping Talk ‘N’ Text, 115-100, in a Game 1 blowout that saw the Kings’ lead balloon to 29. Then, the Phone Pals leaned on Cardona’s triple with 1.1 seconds left to hack out a 99-96 squeaker to equalize in Game 2.

Phone Pals team owner Manny Pangilinan said it was the effort in Game 2 that paved the way for a repeat win in Game 3.

"The team played well (in Game 3) although we had our moments," said Pangilinan. "Game 2 gave the team the ability to take Ginebra’s pressure. Credit to Ginebra. They’re playing well and with a lot of heart."

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Boxing manager Rod Nazario’s close associate Moy Lainez agreed that In Jin Chi won’t last long against Pacquiao.

"It will be five rounds at most," said Lainez. "I don’t think the Korean has the power to hurt Manny." Nazario predicted Pacquiao to finish off In Jin Chi in seven.

But Lainez is worried that Pacquiao may be staying away from the gym too long.

"Since beating Morales, I don’t think Manny has touched a glove or jogged," said Lainez. "We all love Manny and that’s why we want him to take care of himself. I prefer Manny fighting once every three months so he’s always in training, always sharp. After all, he’s a pro and earns a living from fighting. I agree with the strategy of alternating hard and easy opponents to extend a fighter’s career."

Lainez said In Jin Chi, considered an "easy" opponent, would be a welcome break for Pacquiao.

"I read that Emanuel Steward warned that because of Manny’s fighting style, he’ll just be good for another two years," said Lainez. "Steward thinks Manny gets hit too much. I don’t agree with him. It’s not Manny’s style that might shorten his career. It’s his lifestyle. He should just do things in moderation."