Ginebra mighty as Kings

Jayjay Helterbrand returned from a two-game rest to provide Barangay Ginebra steadiness and toughness as the Kings ripped the Air21 Express, 93-83, in a run-and-gun battle in the San Mig Coffee PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Helterbrand, back in harness after a bout with a hamstring injury, tended the backcourt well and proved to be a key factor as they made it four in a row and moved up to third place in the standings with a 6-3 win-loss card.

The 5-foot-10 guard directed with aplomb their running game, finishing with 15 points, nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. The Kings came away with 22 fast-break points as against the Express‚ 14.

"Kapag Air21 ang kalaban, talagang takbuhan ang game. We more than held our own against them largely because of the return of Jayjay," said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Tanquingcen also pointed to Mark Caguioa, Romel Adducul and Andy Seigle as among those who played key roles in their seventh straight win over Air21 in their head-on duels dating back to last season.

"Mark sacrificed his offense to play a no-nonsense defense on Renren Ritualo. Ritualo still came up with 14 points but he had to work hard for those baskets. Romel and Andy, on the other hand, stood their ground against Shawn Daniels," said Tanquingcen.

Badly disappointed by its upset at the hands of Air21 Friday, Talk n Text went bald and returned making a bold move on the playing court, routing Alaska Milk, 101-79, in the second game.

Thus, the Phone Pals caught up with the Purefoods Chunkee Giants atop the heap at 6-2 while the Aces slid to fourth at 5-3.