JC Intal. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Barako Bull gave Ginebra a dose of the “never say die” spirit.
The Energy shocked the Gin Kings, 82-79, for their first victory in the 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Leading by as much as 21 numerous times in the first half, Ginebra squandered its edge and allowed the momentum to swing to Barako Bull’s side.
JC Intal led the cavalry with 22 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while RR Garcia poured 10 of his 16 markers in the final frame while getting
five boards, and two steals.
“We did a good job on the defensive end. That was the challenge for the team, to really do well in the defensive end, and it’s a reminder to all the players that our offense will start from a good defense,” said coach Koy Banal.
Leading by as much as 21 numerous times in the first half, Ginebra squandered its edge, committing three straight turnovers in the final three minutes that ultimately swung the momentum to Barako Bull’s side.
Trailing Ginebra, 73-68, in the last 3:42, the Energy unleashed a 12-0 blitz to grab the 80-73 lead with less than two minutes left in the clock.
Sol Mercado and LA Tenorio hit crucial treys to inch the Gin Kings back in the game, but Intal stole the ball from Mark Caguioa in the final 8.6 seconds and foiled any chance for the crowd darlings to steal the victory.
It also spoiled Greg Slaughter’s masterful 27-point, 26-rebound performance as Ginebra fell to its second defeat this conference in as many tries.
Tenorio finished with 12 in the loss, as the Gin Kings go to a Dubai trip winless.
Chico Lanete, who had eight points in the win, went down at the 1:03 mark of the fourth after he got inadvertently hit in the eye by a wayward arm from Tenorio, who slammed to a Mick Pennisi screen.