Ginebra scores comeback win versus Rain or Shine to force do-or-die game

Jayjay Helterbrand, one of only two Most Valuable Player awardees on the Barangay Ginebra lineup, made a return to vintage form when his team needed it the most.

Inserted back into the rotation after coming off a bout with bronchitis, the veteran guard contributed 13 points to inspire the Kings in completing a come-from-behind 90-83 triumph over the Rain or
Shine Elasto Painters on Saturday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With the win, the Kings survived another day and set up a winner-take-all showdown with the Elasto Painters for a final four seat on Monday.

“I told the players that twice-to-beat and best-of-three is the same thing because you need to beat them twice,” said Barangay Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua regarding the Kings’ situation prior to the
start of their quarterfinals showdown with the Elasto Painters.

“Jayjay and Kerby (Raymundo) stepped up for us while (Josh) Urbiztondo and Vernon Macklin did their job. But on this game, I’m giving it to Jayjay. I’m happy yung kumpiyansa niya bumalik na,” added
Chua.

Helterbrand scored all of his total output in the pivotal fourth when the Kings completed a comeback after being down by as much as 15, 60-45, in the third period.

But the Kings scored 32 fourth-quarter points with Helterbrand leading the charge as the league’s crowd darling turned the tables on the Elasto Painters.

The scores:
GINEBRA (90) – Macklin 21, Tenorio 19, Raymundo 14, Helterbrand 13, Baracael 7, Hatfield 7, Ellis 5, Urbiztondo 4, Taha 0, Labagala 0, Mamaril 0.

RAIN OR SHINE (83) – Sundov 29, Chan 15, Cruz 12, Arana 8, Lee 6, Norwood 5, Quinahan 4, Ibanes 4, Tiu 0, Matias 0, Belga 0, Rodriguez 0.

Quarters: 23-29, 37-48, 58-62, 90-83.

SOURCE: Interaksyon