Uichico: Kings out to defy odds

Barangay Ginebra has a slim chance to gain a playoff for the second outright semifinals slot but coach Joseph Uichico said yesterday he’s not thinking that far as his Christmas wish for the Kings is to just avoid a dangerous wildcard situation in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Only two games are left in the PBA double-round elimination schedule. Talk n Text shoots for the second semifinals ticket against Air21 in the first game while Ginebra takes on Rain or Shine in the main event of a Christmas Day twinbill at the Araneta Coliseum.

If the Tropang Texters lose and Ginebra beats the Elasto Painters by at least 14 points, Talk ‘N’ Text and the Kings will dispute the second semifinals berth in a playoff this Sunday. A Rain or Shine win or a Ginebra victory by less than 14 will pit Talk ‘N’ Text and the Elasto Painters in the playoff instead.

“All we want is to get 10 wins because that assures us of at least a playoff for an outright quarterfinals slot regardless of the outcome of the game between Talk ‘N’ Text and Air21,” said Uichico. “Playing in the wildcard is too dangerous because of the possibility of an upset. To survive the wildcard, you must win two knockout games.”

Uichico said he won’t pin his hopes on an Air21 win and beating Rain or Shine by at least 14 to get a playoff for the second semifinals ticket.

“At this stage, I’m not thinking of that possibility,” said Uichico. “We’ll assess our situation after the first game. If Air21 wins and we’re within beating Rain or Shine by 14 in the closing minutes, that’s the only time I’ll think of it. Right now, our battlecry is just to beat Rain or Shine and get to 10 wins.”

Uichico said Ginebra lost five games because of injuries yet surprisingly, the Kings are still in contention for the semifinals.

“It’s been a tough conference for us,” said Uichico. “Mark (Caguioa) is still in the US rehabbing. He’s due for an evaluation meeting with Dr. (Joseph) Lombardo at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles. He started rehab with two painful knees. Now, he’s down to just one painful knee. We’re anxious to find out from Dr. Lombardo how he’s progressing, if he can play at all this season.”

Ginebra was hit by another casualty a few days ago. Rafi Reavis will be out six weeks with a fractured big toe.

“It’s a challenge,” sighed Uichico. “Jay-Jay (Helterbrand) has been huge for us. There’s no problem with his offense but since we know the opposing team will try to take away his points, he’s making it up by playing hard defense, too. We’re finding different ways to win. Our bench plays a big role because we know our starters can’t go 40 minutes. We need to sustain our defense, hustle and doing the extra effort.”

Uichico said the Kings have had to slow down the pace and keep the scores low because they can’t match the firepower of teams like Talk ‘N’ Text and Rain or Shine.

“We’ve just got to play smart,” he said. “The conference has been so unpredictable. Teams you’re not supposed to lose to beat you. The most consistent team is Alaska but Talk ‘N’ Text and Rain or Shine are playing very well, too. We’re doing our best to win for the fans with pure hustle and defense.”

While Ginebra is hobbled with injuries, Uichico said he doesn’t expect any more lineup changes.

“I don’t anticipate any more trades because teams are now locking in for the playoffs,” said Uichico. Teams are allowed to make roster changes up to Dec. 26 or if there are playoffs, Dec. 29.

Ginebra has a tall mountain to climb in bidding to join Alaska as an outright semifinals qualifier. Its biggest margin of victory this conference was 12 over Sta. Lucia and the Kings must beat Rain or Shine by 14, not to mention the condition of Air21 beating Talk ‘N’ Text. Worse, the Kings lost twice to the Tropang Texters, 103-90 and 109-85, and also bowed to Rain or Shine, 106-102, earlier. But the Kings aren’t the never-say-die team for nothing.