Caguioa keys Kings’ victory against Tigers

by **Ginebra Tambayan** Mon Mar 05, 2012 1:50 am

Caguioa keys Kings’ victory against Tigers
SUNDAY, 04 MARCH 2012 19:26 | JOEL ORELLANA

MARK CAGUIOA sparked a strong third-quarter assault as Barangay Ginebra trounced Powerade, 105-96, to grab solo second spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Caguioa unloaded 16 of his game-high 31 points in the pivotal third period to help the Kings pull away from a tight game. They are now 3-1 (won-lost).

Jackson Vroman debuted for Ginebra with 19 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks, four assists and three steals, a versatility coach Siot Tanquingcen wants in an import.

Vroman, who replaced Chriz Alexander, had 11 markers in the first period on 5-of-7 shooting. He had 14 in the first half where the Kings took a slim 49-48 lead.

Then Caguioa waxed hot in the third quarter, anchoring a 20-10 run to give Ginebra its first double-digit lead in the game at 69-58 with 5:07 in that stage.

The Kings entered the fourth period with an 80-66 advantage.

“Being a player, kapag nakikita mo na may magagawa ang import mo, medyo tumataas ang laro ng locals. His versatility is important for us,” said Tanquingcen of Vroman’s performance that inspired the team to an impressive 27 assists in the game.

“I’m not taking anything away from Chris [Alexander] because he brought us wins naman. But we always look for ways to improve the team,” he said.

Vroman made the Kings look like title contenders against the Tigers with his hustles and consistent perimeter game.

Mike Cortez added 15 points and Dylan Ababoy chipped in 10 for Ginebra. Ababou also helped slow down Gary David, who was held to “just” 23 points, his lowest output so far in the conference.

Jvee Casio netted 19 points. His back-to-back baskets shoved Powerade to within nine, 84-93, but Caguioa responded with two straight jumpers and fed Ababou for a breakaway slam that capped a 12-4 exchange to put the game out of reach, 101-88, 2:11 remaining.

Marcio Lassiter added 18 markers for the Tigers, who absorbed their second straight loss to drop to 2-2. Import Dwayne Jones had another disappointing offensive game of 13 points.

(Joel Orellana)

Source: Business Mirror