INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines - With the offense stalled and the shot-clock winding down early in the fourth period, Ginebra import David Noel dribbled twice and vaulted for a jumper from beyond the arc.

Swish.

Noel’s triple was just one of 16 Ginebra used last night in repelling several Rain or Shine spurts on the way to a series-clinching 108-100 victory that gave the reigning champion Gin Kings a return trip to the finals in the PBA-Motolite Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

“We’re just happy our hard work has paid off,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico after the Gin Kings won three straight games to close out the series, 4-2, on Sunday.

“Rain or Shine played us a notch higher in terms of intensity and energy. Even if it was 4-2, this series was close.”

Not on this night, though.

The Gin Kings took Rain or Shine import Jai Lewis out of the offensive equation and had more than enough firepower to match whatever the Elasto Painters threw at them.

After TY Tang opened the game with a triple, Jayjay Helterbrand, David Noel and Paul Artadi responded with three straight threes each for a 13-3 spread.

Gabe Norwood spearheaded an 8-0 blast to cut a 51-38 lead to five, but Helterbrand sank a triple to restore order for the Gin Kings.

And just when it looked like the Elasto Painters finally grabbed the momentum early in the fourth, Noel hit that timely triple that was followed by conversions from Cyrus Baguio, Sunday Salvacion and Helterbrand, who stretched the advantage, 101-87, with 4:03 remaining.

Noel and Tubid each tallied 23 points and 10 rebounds. Artadi finished with 17 points and sparked several runs with a game-high six steals.

The burly Lewis was forced to give the ball up as he found the lane clogged by the Gin Kings every time he touched the ball. He scored his first field goal—a one-handed putback—with 4:34 left and finished with just six points on 2-of-6 shooting in 45 minutes. He also accounted for five of Rain or Shine’s 26 turnovers.

Tang scattered a career-high 24 points, including three treys, while Norwood shot just four points in the second half, after scoring 18 in the first two quarters.

With the victory, Ginebra, which secured an 18th championship appearance, became the first defending champion to return to the finals since Talk N’ Text pulled off the feat in the 2004-2005 Philippine Cup.

Uichico said they are in for a tougher time in the finals, where they will meet either San Miguel and Burger King.

“It doesn't stop here. Against those two teams, you really have to go all out at every game,” said Uichico, who will be coaching in his 12th finals.

The scores:
First Game
GINEBRA 108—Tubid 23, Noel 23, Artadi 17, Helterbrand 17, Reavis 8, Salvacion 6, Mamaril 5, Baguio 5, Lanete 3, Intal 1, Wilson 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 100—Tang 24, Norwood 22, Arana 15, Ibanes 11, Reyes 11, Lewis 6, Isip 6, Laure 5, Dulay 0, Wainright 0.
Quarters: 31-21, 60-53, 81-76, 108-100