MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra needed just one more half to extend its lease in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
But on the brink of elimination, the Gin Kings allowed TNT to run rampant the rest of the way, losing their title retention bid after 103-92 setback in Game 4 of the semifinals Thursday.
Ginebra was outscored 45-30 in the second half.
“I think we lost our poise a little bit,” said Cone. “We started rushing and taking tough shots and they took advantage of it. We made a few turnovers towards the end of the third quarter.”
“Those turnovers changed the game and when they [the KaTropa] got ahead we lost our poise and never really got going.”
The Gin Kings held a 62-58 lead at the half but tallied six turnovers which the KaTropa converted into six quick points.
Those six points may seem irrelevant when looked at face value but there were a couple of instances when the Gin Kings’ carelessness led to crucial field goals for TNT.
Joe Devance and Stanley Pringle got their pockets stolen in a span of 22 seconds and those led to a couple of transition layups for Roger Pogoy that gave the KaTropa a 72-71 lead with 7:10 left in the third.
Pringle then turned the ball once more leading to Terrence Jones’ layup for TNT’s 79-75 lead 3:24 left in the penultimate quarter.
Jones’ steal and layup then paved the way for TNT to build on that lead until the final buzzer of the game.
Coach Tim Cone going at it with one of the referees. That’s a technical. 8:54. #PBA2019 pic.twitter.com/3lzCYg77jd
— Bong Lozada (@BongLozada92) August 1, 2019
It wasn’t just the Ginebra players, though, who lost composure since Cone himself failed to keep his emotions in check and he was called with a technical foul after entering the playing court at the 8:54 mark of the fourth and TNT holding an 88-81 buffer.
Cone, who would now watch the remainder of the playoffs from the sidelines, commended TNT and even predicted a championship for the KaTropa.
“They proved to be the better team than us,” said Cone. “I think they have a good shot at winning the championship.”