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Barangay Ginebra pulled away late to beat Star, 73-62, and avoid a 0-3 hole in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Monday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
Sol Mercado hit two crucial 3-pointers during a 14-0 blast inside the final six minutes for the Gin Kings, who will try to level their best-of-seven duel in Game 4 on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Well we hit some shots. i think that was the big difference maker. That and Mark Caguioa coming off the bench. i think that’s the story of the game,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
“We hit some shots when we needed to, something we didn’t do in the first two games,” Cone added.
Mercado finished with game-highs of 16 points and six assists, Japeth Aguilar added 15 points and 13 rebounds while Mark Caguioa scored all of his eight points in the second half, where the Gin Kings had to hold off the Hotshots’ fightback.
Ginebra also got a boost from versatile forward Joe Devance, who returned after missing two games due to a foot injury. Devance had six points and six rebounds in over 18 minutes off the bench.
“It’s incredible. i don’t know very many players that would do that. but Joe takes pride in sacrificing for his teammates, sacrificing shots and playing through injury,” said Cone.
Down by one, the Kings responded with a 14-0 run with Aguilar’s jumper making it, 73-60, with 1:32 remaining.
Paul Lee, who was the hero in Games 1 and 2, was silenced with only seven points on 3-of-13 shooting from the field. He was averaging 17.5 points heading into Game 3.
With Lee struggling, Marc Pingris had to carry much on the load. The veteran forward posted a double-double with 12 points and 18 rebounds in nearly 37 minutes of action.
The Hotshots, who saw their winning streak end at eight games, had to bleed for their points as they shot just 29% from the field.