BACK TO BACK FOR GINEBRA AS KINGS TOPPLE TNT

Ginebra heart and soul Mark Caguioa played through a cut left brow sustained late in the opening
period, providing the Kings spunk and inspiration as they stunned the Talk n Text Tropang Texters,
104-101, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay Sunday night.

Enduring the injury, Caguioa led the way as the Kings again went on a run, notching a second
straight win in a follow-up to their close shave versus the Globalport Batang Pier the last time
out.

The reigning league MVP made 18 of his 22 points after having sustained the cut on a wayward elbow
by Talk n Text behemoth Ali Peek in a rebound play.

“Kinabahan ako dahil last time natamaan ako sa mata nag-double vision ako. Kanina nag-blur at buti
nama nawala agad,” said Caguioa.

With the rest of the Ginebra team taking the lead provided by Caguioa, the Kings pulled the rug from
under the Texters, handing the all-Filipino title-holders a second loss in nine games.

Despite the loss, Talk n Text, however, remained the tournament leader, half-game in front of Rain
or Shine and San Mig Coffee.

Barangay Ginebra improved to sixth at 4-5.

“A few days ago, who would have thunk we would get two straight wins,” said Ginebra coach Siot
Tanquingcen.

“It’s the heart and desire of the guys to win. Somehow, our aggression was evident on defense.
We’re patient on offense, and it worked to our advantage,” Tanquingcen also said.

Caguioa thought things became easier with the veterans playing more minutes.

“Mas madali kapag kayong mga beterano ang magkakasama. Di ka hirap sa opensa,” Caguioa said.

“In terms of chemistry, tama si Mark. Kaya lang kailangan mo rin gamitin yung mga bata para
ipahinga yung mga beterano,” said Tanquingcen.

Caguioa finished with double-double numbers as he also grabbed 11 rebounds.

Rudy Hatfield also churned out a double-double game with 13 boards and 12 markers with LA Tenorio,
Chris Ellis and Jayjay Helterbrand adding at least 11 points each.

Playing their best game in the season, the Kings dominated the Texters in the final half, leading by
13 points twice early in the last quarter.

The Texters actually waged an endgame chase but ran out of time in their bid.

Rob Labagala grabbed a loose ball from his own missed charities to eventually finish off the
Texters. (SB)

The scores:

GINEBRA 104 - Caguioa 22, Tenorio 21, Hatfield 12, Ellis 11, Helterbrand 11, Mamaril 9, Maierhofer
6, Espiritu 5, Wilson 4, Taha 3, Labagala 0.

TALK N' TEXT 101 - De Ocampo 20, Castro 18, Alapag 17, Fonacier 16, Williams 11, Reyes 5, Aban 5,
Peek 5, Ferriols 2, Carey 2, Gamalinda 0, Dillinger 0.

Quarters: 32-29, 54-48, 83-72, 104-101

SOURCE: PBA.ph