PBA Finals: Stephen Holt typifies Ginebra resilience in equalizer

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Stephen Holt during the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals Game 4. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—After being down two games to none, Ginebra pushed the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals back to square one thanks in large part to Stephen Holt’s heroics.

Despite the Gin Kings looking down at a dangerous 0-2 hole, Holt wanted to highlight his team’s resilience and he did just that in the squad’s 106-92 win over the Tropang Giga at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

READ: PBA Finals: Ginebra dominates TNT in Game 4 to tie series at 2-2

“We can never put our heads down at all, I think that’s the biggest thing about this group, which is our resilience,” said Holt.

“I know it’s a tough task, every single possession we need to be locked in but the thing about us is we just can’t be discouraged if they hit a tough shot on us.”

Holt finished with 18 points, three rebounds and two assists but he was intensely active on the defensive end as well as he finished with five steals.

He also hit the toughest bucket of them all to ultimately shut the door on the Tropang Giga in Game 4.

READ: PBA Finals: LA Tenorio spells difference for Ginebra in Game 3

The Gin Kings led by just nine, 101-92, with 2:18 left in the payoff period before Holt sank a shot clock buzzer-beating triple put the game beyond reach for coach Tim Cone.

“Today, I was able to make some big shots because my teammates found me when they needed to,” Holt said. “At the end of the day, it’s no secret how much I want to win.”

Game 5 rolls on with both teams looking for the advantage on Wednesday at the same venue.