PBA: Gritty Ginebra defeats Meralco behind debuting import
Mark Caguioa of Ginebra (light) vs Darnell jackson of Meralco (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra showed the grit that it was missing the last few games and ended a two-game slide with an 88-78 win over Meralco Wednesday night in the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup.
Showing impressive spunk on defense, the Kings peeeled away from the Bolts with a stifling 15-3 run anchored on key stops underneath.
“We did a good job on D, we were able to stop their fast-break points and second chance points, which is our weakness,” said head coach Ato Agustin.
From 71-70, Ginebra stretched its lead to double digits for the first time in the scrappy match sparked by a triple from Mark Caguioa with 5:30 to play and capped by back-to-back treys from Chris Ellis with under two minutes left.
Replacement import Josh Powell didn’t dominate offensively with 16 points and 15 rebounds, but Agustin said that his all-around capacity helped the Kings loosen up.
Ginebra had a whopping 22 assists compared to Meralco’s eight.
“He’s a smart player. He got our system immediately. He’s not just a scorer, but he can also do other things. Our ball movements speed up when he touches the ball.”
The locals also stepped up to bring the Kings back to life with Ellis finishing with 16, Greg Slaughter 15, Caguioa 13 and guards LA Tenorio and Josh Urbiztondo with 10 each.
The victory improves Ginebra’s to 3-4, which puts the crowd-darling just in the middle of the pack as the elimination nears its tail end.
The Bolts, meanwhile, lost their edge with their second straight setback and dropped to a tie with Ginebra with two more games left.
Meralco’s new import Darnell Jackson, who replaced Brian Butch, took a while to warm up but still finished with 25 points, 14 in the second half, and 18 boards.
The Bolts, who tasted the lead late in the third quarter, lost the advantage for good after Josh Urbiztondo closed the period and opened the fourth with back-to-back treys.
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