PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra outlasted Barako Bull, 108-104, in a nip-and-tuck overtime match Friday night in the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After playing catch up in payoff period and early in the extra time, the Kings turned the tide to their favor with two minutes left on an undergoal stab from Japeth Aguilar and a fast-break slam from Leon Rodgers.
“Breaks went to our side. We’re adjusting well to our new system,” said head coach Ato Agustin.
“We’re trying out new plays, mostly coach Juno Sauler’s,” added Agustin as deputy Sauler was seen drawing all the plays late in the game.
Down by 88-93 with 3:06 to play in regulation, the Kings managed to get a stop in the ensuing player and inched closer off a baseline drive from import Leon Rodgers.
Japeth Aguilar and Mark Caguioa both missed on the three point attempts but Chris Ellis found the Mark with seven seconds left to send the game into overtime.
Ellis finished with 17 points on 3-of-4 shooting from downtown, while Leon Rodgers finished with a team-best 31 points along with eight rebounds and four assists. LA Tenorio flirted with a triple double with nine points, nine rebounds and 14 assists.
“It’s only the first game. There are a lot of adjustments especially when he’s playing number three. Every possession he should be aggressive.”
Rodgers was outmatched by Barako Bull import Joshua Dollar, who had a monster 45-point, 18-rebound statline but fouled out with 1:26 left.
Barako Bull managed to get to within a point, 105-104, and got a shot at sending the game into overtime but rookie Jeric Fortuna misfired on what could’ve been a game-tying 3 from way out.
Mick Pennisi, whose treys gave the Energy the lead early in OT, added 12 points.
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