Joseph Yeo of Ginebra (light) vs PJ Simon of Purefoods (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Joseph Yeo led a third quarter scoring binge and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel hacked out a wire-to-wire win over Purefoods, 89-66, in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Yeo scored 12 of his game-high 17 points in the pivotal third quarter where the Kings pulled away for good.
“I haven’t been breathing the last four days trying to prepare,” said Ginebra coach Jeffrey Cariaso. “They’re starting to understand, on a daily basis, what it takes to be successful.”
Yeo drained four triples in the third quarter as Ginebra’s lead ballooned to 19, 57-38, after his last one with 6:26 left.
Greg Slaughter posted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds and so did Billy Mamaril who had 12 points and 13 rebounds.
PJ Simon led Purefoods with 15 points. James Yap struggled with just seven points on 2-of-14 shooting from the field in his first game back after missing two games due to a hamstring injury.
Ginebra raced to a 10-0 start before repelling repeated rallies by Purefoods.
“The nine-break hurt them more than helped them,” said Cariaso.
The game marked the first time Cariaso beat his long-time mentor and Purefoods head coach Tim Cone.
“Feels good. For tonight, we were able to get the victory. It’s a challenge but it’s always going to be special,” said Cariaso.
Meanwhile, Purefoods legends Jerry Codiñera and Rey Evangelista had their jerseys retired before tipoff.
Codiñera, one of the league’s 25 Greatest Players, spent 11 years with Purefoods while Evangelista played for 14 seasons for the only franchise he suited up for.
“Congratulations to Rey and Jerry. They’re both great individuals on and off the court.”
The Kings grabbed a share of second place with the San Miguel Beermen at 4-1 while the Star Hotshots slid to 1-3.
Ginebra had 22 assists and only 11 turnovers while Purefoods had more errors (12) than assists (9).
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