Gin Kings repel Hotshots’ rally

LA Tenorio of Ginebra attempts an off-balanced shot against Rafi Reavis of Purefoods in last night’s match at Smart Araneta Coliseum. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra denied Purefoods’ bid for a fresh start with a new import as the Gin Kings hacked out a 96-87 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at the packed Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Michael Dunigan scattered 22 points, the last eight during the Kings’ fiery 18-9 windup in the last four minutes after the Hotshots rallied to tie the game at 78.

“We did a good job, especially in defense,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin. “We were able to execute our plays.”

The Kings climbed to 3-3, while sending the Hotshots—who tapped a third import in Denzel Bowles—skidding to a third straight loss after an impressive 4-0 start.

Earlier, Terrence Romeo pumped in 25 points and import Calvin Warner also continued to impress as Globalport whipped Blackwater, 101-78, to join the Hotshots at 4-3.

Warner, who won his second game in just three outings with Batang Pier, hauled down a season-high 30 rebounds to go with 17 point and three blocks.

“Until now we’re still getting to know him, to be honest,” Globalport coach Eric Gonzales said of Warner, who replaced reinforcement CJ Leslie. “He plays strictly inside, but he has a sense of maturity that helps the team.”

The Kings spoiled the 31-point explosion of Bowles, the former Hotshots import who was tapped to replace controversial Daniel Orton.

Greg Slaughter added 19 points as guards LA Tenorio (16 points and six assists) and Emman Monfort (nine points, seven boards, five assists and three steals) also came out huge for the Kings.

Bowles recently replaced Orton, who had a falling out with the Hotshots after a recent post-game rant agains t game officials and KIA playing-coach Manny Pacquiao led to a hefty P250,000 fine.

The scores:

First Game

GLOBALPORT 101—Romeo 25, Warner 17, Buenafe 15, Pringle 10, Isip 9, Ponferada 8, Taha 6, Miranda 4, Semerad 3, Pinto 0, Jensen 0.

BLACKWATER 78—Douthit 19, Heruela 17, Gamalinda 9, Reyes 7, Celiz 6, Bulawan 6, Acuña 6, Faundo 4, Cañada 2, Salvacion 2, Erram 0, Ballesteros 0, Laure 0.

Quarters: 21-20, 50-37, 74-56, 101-78

Second Game

GINEBRA 96—Dunigan 22, Slaughter 19, Tenorio 16, Aguilar 10, Baracael 10, Monfort 9 Caguioa 7, Yeo 3, Ababou 0.

PUREFOODS 87—Bowles 31, Simon 14, Barroca 14, Mallari 6, Pingris 6, Taha 2, Melton 0, Reavis 0 Pennisi 0.

Quarters: 20-16, 45-38, 70-56, 96-87