Japeth back, helps Kings stop Painters
CARLO Casino of CEU (17) fakes off Zacgary Huang and Christian Kakonda of UST during their Filoil game yesterday. See story below.AUGUST DELA CRUZ
JAPETH Aguilar returned to active duty and helped Barangay Ginebra hold off Rain or Shine, 93-81, in the last of two PBA Governors’ Cup games at Al Shabab Al Arabi Club in Dubai early Saturday in Manila.
Aguilar scored seven points in a telling fourth-quarter run that had the Gin Kings finally snuffing the fight out of the tired Elasto Painters to rise to 2-3 overall and get back in the thick of the playoff fight.
The loss gave the Elasto Painters a 1-1 record in this oil-rich emirate sojourn and a 1-3 slate overall.
Orlando Johnson scored 25 points to pace the Kings, who also got 21 from Mark Caguioa and 20 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four steals from point guard LA Tenorio as Ginebra easily overcame a 35-point effort from Rain or Shine import Wendell McKines.
Rain or Shine clipped Globalport, 119-112, on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer tries to slap a third straight loss on defending champion Star today as action returns to the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The SMB-Star duel is slated at 5:15 p.m. shortly after Barako Bull tries to remain unscathed—and in the lead—against a dangerous Meralco side in the 3 p.m. game.
The Beermen are coming off two impressive triumphs against formidable foes and will come into the contest as the favorites with Arizona Reid now healthy after a stomach virus slowed him down in the first two games.
June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and the resurgent Marcio Lassiter are the other offensive weapons of the Beermen, who have now bucked a 0-2 start.
Marqus Blakely will again be the main man of coach Tim Cone, as the Hotshots, defending the last title of their Grand Slam effort last season, try to avert falling into a deeper hole.
The scores:
GINEBRA 93—Johnson 25, Caguioa 21, Tenorio 20, Aguilar 15, Marcelo 5, Baracael 5, Brondial 2, Urbiztondo 0, Mercado 0, Pena 0, Tungalag 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 81—McKines 35, Lee 10, Cruz Jericho 9, Arana 9, Norwood 5, Cruz Jervy 4, Uyloan 2, Ibanes 2, Tang 2, Almazan 2, Quinahan 1, Belga 0.
Quarters: 28-14, 49-42, 71-65, 93-81
