Caguioa cops Player of Week honors

Mark Caguioa has, time and again, bailed out Barangay Ginebra.

It was no different Sunday night when the prolific guard fired 25 points to lead the Kings past Barako Bull Energy before a big crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Caguioa stood at the forefront of the Ginebra offensive in the second half, helping the Gin Kings stay alive for an automatic semifinal berth.

For his exploits, Caguioa, the 2001 Rookie of the Year, was named Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period March 19 to 25.

“Mark has always been the personification of the Ginebra never-say-die spirit and that’s what sets him apart,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“He’s a winner unknown to a lot of people. It doesn’t really bother him if he’s not the top scorer, whether he comes off the bench or he starts the game. He just wants the team to win.”

A fired-up Caguioa scattered 11 points in the third period to help turn a three-point Ginebra halftime lead to a 70-55 bulge heading into the final period.

Ginebra still needs to win against Air21 on Wednesday to tie B-Meg or Talk ‘N Text at the top. The top two elimination finishers earn outright semifinal seats.  Cedelf P. Tupas