Barangay Fiesta: Ginebra mows down Talk ‘N Text to take semifinals opener

Barangay Fiesta: Ginebra mows down Talk ‘N Text to take semifinals opener


Barangay Ginebra San Miguel threw a knockout punch right in the first quarter, and the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters never recovered.

The Gin Kings rode a hot 10-2 start to cruise to a surprisingly easy 104-81 victory in Game One of their Commissioner’s Cup semifinals series Friday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Ginebra built a 33-15 lead in the opening quarter en route to a 59-36 advantage at the half. The Gin Kings never led by less than 18 points the rest of the way to draw first blood in the best-of-five series.

“We beat a very strong team, a very organized team,” said Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua. “But the Never Say Die attitude, we went there just to play. Ayun, nakuha namin ang gusto naming mangyari.”

Ginebra shot the lights out from the field, shooting 52.5 percent, including 10-of-24 from beyond the arc. In stark contrast, the usually sharp Talk ‘N Text couldn’t buy a three-point basket, shooting just 1-of-18 from long distance territory.

Chua credited the momentum from the Gin Kings’ upset victory in the quarterfinals over Rain or Shine as a key for their performance.

“Yun ang ginamit naming motivation coming into this game,” said Chua. “This is a different chapter of our journey.”

Seven players scored at least eight points for the Gin Kings, led by import Vernon Macklin, who rebounded from a conference-low performance in his last outing against Talk ‘N Text. He finished with 25 points and nine rebounds.

Import Jerome Jordan led the way for Talk ‘N Text with 21 points and eight rebounds.

Source: interaksyon

Fiesta na mga katambay!
Tambak TNT! hahaha