Mark Caguioa struggles anew vs San Mig Coffee, but happy as Ginebra teammates step up

InterAKTV/Justin Gener

In the past, Mark Caguioa has acknowledged his struggles against the San Mig Coffee Mixers, who have shackled the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel superstar in past editions of their Manila Clasico rivalry.

Sunday night’s opening match between the two teams was no different, as Caguioa finished with just two points after missing all four of his shots from the field.

But the rest of the Gin Kings stepped up, with five players scoring in double figures as Ginebra fashioned out an impressive 86-69 victory.

“For me it wasn’t a good start because it’s San Mig Coffee. Ganun talaga whenever I play against this team,” Caguioa told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview.

But unlike in previous games when Ginebra failed to find a solution to make up for Caguioa’s subpar game, other Gin Kings were up to the challenge.

Japeth Aguilar finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and five blocks, while LA Tenorio finished with a double-double of 17 points and 10 assists. Dylan Ababou came off the bench to score all 16 of his points in the second half, while Greg Slaughter and Jay-R Reyes scored 10 points apiece.

“I was always telling the big guys namin to be ready because I know what they’re going to do. They want to take the ball out of my hands,” said Caguioa.

“Good thing ganito yung nangyari. Sila naman yung hindi ready sa ibang players. Everything is a blessing in disguise.”