Baracael’s free throws lift Ginebra over Rain or Shine

Mark Caguioa of Ginebra (dark) vs Jireh Ibanez of Rain or Shine (light)

MANILA, Philippines – Mac Baracael calmly swished three pressure-packed free throws to lift Barangay Ginebra San Miguel over Rain or Shine, 101-100, in the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Down two with just a couple of seconds left, the Kings got a break after a referee called a foul against ROS big man Beau Belga, who hardly came into contact with Baracael as the latter took a three-pointer from the left wing, with 0.3 tenths of a second left.

“It’s a hard win. We’re just lucky the referees called the foul,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin. “Hindi din kami nawalan ng pag-asa the last two seconds.” [We didn’t lose hope in the last two seconds)

Instead of dropping into a three-way at the bottom of the standings, the Kings remained in the hunt for a top four finish heading into the quarterfinals.

“May chance pa kami makaangat sa 2-3-4. Kailangan naming manalo ng dalawa pa [We still have a chance to climb to 2-3-4. We need to win two more],” said an upbeat Agustin, whose squad faces GlobalPort and struggling Talk ‘N Text in its last two games in the elimination round.

Import Arizona Reid pumped in 40 points, including a well-contested jumper with 2.0 ticks left that put the Elasto Painters, which dropped to 4-4, ahead, 100-98.

Mark Caguioa atoned for his field goal less six-point output in Ginebra’s loss to San Mig Coffee the last time out with 32 points, 24 of which coming in the first half.

Dior Lowhorn added 31 points and nine rebounds while chief playmaker LA Tenorio dazzled with eight points, six rebounds and 10 assists for the Kings, who improved to 3-4.