Do or die

Something dramatic often happens whenever Barangay Ginebra plays Shell in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Let’s turn back the clock and recall some of the most unforgettable moments involving both teams in PBA history.

1990 First Conference Finals. It was Game 6 and Shell was a win away from clinching the crown in the best-of-7 series. Ginebra, carrying the Anejo Rum colors, was led by playing coach Robert Jaworski, Philip Cezar, Chito Loyzaga, Leo Isaac, Rudy Distrito, Dondon Ampalayo, Dante Gonzalgo, and import Sylvester Gray. Also in the lineup was beanpole Romy Mamaril. Shell’s stalwarts included Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc, Leo Austria, Romy de la Rosa, Arnie Tuadles, Jojo Martin, and broadcaster Mico Halili’s "favorite" Ed Ducut.

With 4:01 left in the second period, Gray was whistled for his fifth foul by referee Ernie de Leon. Then, time down to 2:52 in the same quarter, referee Rudy Hines slapped a pair of technicals on Cuenco. The predominantly pro-Anejo crowd pelted the court with coins, papercups, and sandwiches in disgust. Shell had zoomed ahead, 62-47, and it didn’t look good for Anejo. With the fans getting more and more unruly, Anejo team manager Ber Navarro ordered a walkout – a decision that would cost the franchise P550,000 in fines. Shell coach Arlene Rodriguez took the title but the walkout spoiled a climactic finish.

1991 First Conference Finals. Ginebra battled back from a 3-1 series deficit to force a winner-take-all Game 7 in the title playoffs against Shell.

Only a few seconds were left on the clock and it seemed like an overtime was inevitable. The count was tied, 102-all. But Distrito wouldn’t be denied a final stab. He drove the baseline, pulled up, and lofted a high-arching shot with a second to go. Bedlam. Ginebra exacted sweet revenge on Shell to capture Jaworski’s third crown as playing coach. Import Jervis Cole — Ginebra’s third reinforcement after Ronald Davis and William Alexander bombed out – paced the squad with 32 points. The Big J himself hit 17 to lead Ginebra’s locals.

No team in PBA history had come back from a 3-1 series hole to win a title until Ginebra in 1991.

1996 Second Conference knockout game for the right to play Alaska in the finals. It came down to a you-or-me duel between Ginebra and Shell. The Kings’ mainstays were import Henry James, Marlou Aquino, Noli Locsin, E. J. Feihl, Vince Hizon, Jayvee Gayoso, Bal David, Pido Jarencio, and playing coach Jaworski and his son Dodot. Shell, coached by Chito Narvasa, leaned on import Kenny Redfield, Magsanoc, Paras, Richie Ticzon, Vic Pablo, Rommel Santos, Jolly Escobar, and Jun Marzan.

Typically, the contest went down to the wire. The score was knotted at 86-all. Redfield had possession and threw up a prayer of a triple near midcourt. The ball hit the board and banked in at the buzzer. Jaworski was stunned. So was Narvasa. Shell survived a hair-raising tightrope walk and barged into the finals at Ginebra’s expense.

Tonight, Ginebra and Shell renew their storied rivalry in a do-or-die contest that has the trappings of a Game 7 in a final series. The winner advances to the All-Filipino Cup quarterfinals while the loser joins Purefoods as the only teams that won’t.

It’ll be their second meeting this conference. Ginebra won, 76-71, last April 20 as the Kings outshot the Turbochargers from the floor, 43.6 percent to 32.5, and ruled the boards, 56-44. Somehow, Ginebra gutted out the hard-earned triumph despite 19 turnovers (to Shell’s eight) and eight less free throws.

The game was Chris Jackson’s most productive offensively so far this season. He scored 13 points and grabbed 18 rebounds in a no-relief job. Stonewall and Chris Calaguio shared scoring honors for Shell. David netted 15 for Ginebra. Eric Menk compiled 13 points and 12 rebounds in 39 minutes.

Shell is coming off back-to-back losses to Sta. Lucia and Red Bull while Ginebra has lost five of its last six so neither team has a claim to a positive momentum. It will come down to a test of inner strength, the desire factor-which teams wants it more.

Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua says man for man, Ginebra has the edge but if Shell dictates the tempo with its patented slow-down game, the Turbochargers should pull off a win. "Uuntiin ka ng Shell," explains Chua. "They’ll just hang around then before you know it, they’re ahead. It’s a dangerous team."

Shell may be the league’s lowest-ranked offensive team (No. 10 in the standings at 80.2 points a game) but that’s because coach Perry Ronquillo likes to slow it down, hoping to stretch the minutes and avoid an early blowout so the Turbochargers get a chance to win in the end. That means Shell prefers a low-scoring game. No wonder in its five wins, Ronquillo’s opponents were limited to an average of only 72 points.

Ginebra, in contrast, likes the up-tempo, offense-oriented game. The Kings are dead last in forcing opponents’ turnovers so they’re not much for playing tough defense. Because Ginebra is so aggressive offensively, the Kings go to the line a lot-and that’s where they cash in. Ginebra is No. 1 in free throw percentage. Shell is No. 4 in free throws allowed and No. 3 in fouls so if the Turbochargers aren’t careful, the Kings could score a bunch from the stripe.

Shell’s handicap is lack of size. Ginebra coach Allan Caidic will no doubt exploit that. Menk, Jun Limpot, and Romel Adducul make a formidable frontline. The Kings dominated the boards in their first encounter and that was the key to their win. How to keep Ginebra from lording it over the glass will be Ronquillo’s primary concern.

Stopping Mark Caguioa is another Ronquillo concern. Tony de la Cruz will probably be tapped by Ronquillo to shadow Caguioa but that means taking minutes from Chris Calaguio at the two-spot. On offense, bet on Dale Singson posting up David repeatedly in a battle of shifty point guards. Rookie Ronald Tubid is Ronquillo’s wildcard –he’s an impact player who can change the complexion of a game because of his boundless energy from the bench. Caidic must be wary of what Tubid can do once he sets foot on the court. Tubid is Ronquillo’s main weapon in Shell’s stifling trap defense.

It’ll be a championship atmosphere at the Big Dome tonight. Survival is at stake. And when your life is on the line, expect a fight to the finish.