Ginebra blasts Meralco, 81-71

Ginebra blasts Meralco, 81-71
December 4, 2011 10:07pm


Barangay Ginebra achieved a milestone Sunday night when it beat Meralco, 81-71, in the main game of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Drawing heavily from the offensive games of Mike Cortez, Ronald Tubid, Mark Caguioa and the rejuvenated Rico Villanueva, the Kings led from start to finish in securing the franchise’s 800th win since joining the league in 1979 under the banner of Gilbey’s Gin.

But more importantly, the victory was the third straight for the league’s crowd darlings as they improved to a 7-5 win-loss card for solo fifth place, and hopefully, a better positioning entering the quarterfinals that kick off next week.

“This game was [a] big one for us,” said Cortez. “We still have two more games, and hope we’ll be able to sustain this and get ready for the playoffs.”

“Hindi pa tapos 'yung mission namin, so we still have to stay focus,” added coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Cortez led the Kings with 14 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Tubid and Caguioa finished with 13 points each. Villanueva, meanwhile, chipped in 11. His completed three-point play entering the homestretch gave the Kings their biggest lead of the night, 78-66.

The Bolts finished their elimination round campaign with an 8-6 card and missed the chance to land at either the top two spots going into the playoffs. Their total output also happened to be the lowest ever this conference and the worst for any Kings opponent in the tournament.

Meralco, however, gave Ginebra a big scare early in the fourth, when it threatened to overtake twice, the last at 66-64 following a completed three-point play by Sol Mercado off Rob Labagala.

The Bolts’ downfall began when veteran Asi Taulava was called for his sixth and last foul at the 7:15 mark and Meralco trailing by just five, 69-64.

The Kings were quick to take advantage of the opportunity as Cortez, Villanueva, and Willy Wilson orchestrated a 9-2 run for that 12-point lead.

Mercado shot 22 points in leading his team, while MacMac Cardona was the only other Meralco player in double figures with 16. — KBK, GMA News

Source: GMANews.tv

NoliEala Noli Eala
Ginebra did it d methodical way. It doesn't have to be fancy n dazzling
all the time. Hard defense, and smart ball is good enough! 7-5 baby!