It’s do or die for Kings, Express

Barangay Ginebra, looking to become the first team in 21 years to defend an All-Filipino Conference crown, faces a big stumbling block in its lofty aspiration as the injury-depleted Kings take on the Air21 Express in a knockout battle for the last slot in the Gran Matador Brandy PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals today at the Araneta Coliseum.

The two teams clash at 6:30 p.m. with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals against Fiesta Cup titlist Red Bull and the loser hitting the end of the road this season.

Talk n Text and Sta. Lucia Realty, the first two teams booted out of contention for the All-Filipino crown, play their farewell game in the season in the 4:10 p.m. curtain raiser.

Ginebra will surely have the crowd on its side but is coming out the underdog due to a severely handicapped lineup.

Already without Romel Adducul, Rodney Santos, Andy Seigle, Mike Holper and Aris Dimaunahan, the Kings may also miss ace point guard Jayjay Helterbrand who suffered a left hip flexor muscle injury against Sta. Lucia Friday night.

Helterbrand sat out the final quarter of their game against the Realtors, skipped their practice yesterday and was to see his doctor for checkup at press time.

"He’s hurt and he’s under evaluation by his doctor," said Ginebra team manager Allan Caidic.

The Kings, however, have been bucking the odds and are determined to outdo themselves one more time tonight to get into the quarters.

"We’re walking wounded. But the good thing about this team is it’s finding ways to win whatever happens," said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Tanquingcen, however, admits they have a tough task against Air21.

"Air21 is a tall team which can run. With our lineup right now, we’ll surely have a big problem matching up with them," said Tanquingcen.

The youthful, volatile Ginebra mentor said they would have a chance if their reserves continue to put in significant help. Lowly-regarded players Manny Ramos, Mark Macapagal and Allan Salangsang played key roles in their first two wins in the wildcard round.

Curiously, the Kings have yet to win three in a row this conference.

The Express have their own injury-stricken players in Ronald Tubid and Gary David but the Bert Lina-owned team has also been defying the odds, winning four of its last five games.

Air21 had a crack at an outright entry into the quarters but was beaten by Coca-Cola, 73-87, in a playoff last week.

The Express, the league’s No. 1 offensive team, are 9-3 this conference when scoring at least 90 points and 0-6 otherwise.