Ginebra avoids collapse against Meralco to book third straight win

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel booked its third straight Commissioner’s Cup win, but coach Alfrancis Chua wasn’t exactly happy with the victory.

The Gin Kings nearly squandered a 21-point lead before pulling out an 84-81 triumph over the Meralco Bolts Friday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

“Actually, kung nakahabol sila at natalo kami, kasalanan namin yun. Layup na, nilalandi pa,” said Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua.

Ginebra led 37-16 in the second quarter, and was still up by nine points, 81-72, at the two-minute mark of the game.

But a furious 9-2 run capped by a Chris Ross three-pointer with 25.6 seconds left cut the Meralco deficit to just two points, 83-81.

The Bolts sent LA Tenorio to free throw line, where the Ginebra court general split his free throws to give Meralco one final shot.

But Ross could not hit his attempt at the game-tying basket, allowing Ginebra to escape with the win.

Meralco came back in part by using an unusual tactic, sending Ginebra import Vernon Macklin to the free throw line intentionally in the fourth quarter.

But Chua refused to sub out his import, who shot just 5-of-15 from the line.

“I told him mananalo kami, matatalo kami dahil sa ‘yo,” said Chua, who drew 23 points, 22 rebounds, and five assists from his reinforcement.

Ginebra had to hack out the victory despite missing Mark Caguioa, who injured his knee with less than three minutes left in the game. Caguioa scored 21 points, but did not return after being subbed out.

SOURCE: Interaksyon

nonetheless the important is we won... and hope mark is fine... and his injury is not serious, i hope its not MCL/ACL injury...

pag maganda TLG ANG LARO NG GINS SAKA NAGKAKARON NG PROBLEMA BAT KAYA.....