MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra snapped a five-game losing streak, but not after battling Gary David and Globalport in a torrid shoot-out for an 81-79 win Friday night in the PBA Philippine Cup at Cuneta Astrodome.
Trailing for most of the game, the Kings turned to Mark Caguioa and Jay-Jay Helterbrand, who hit some big baskets in the clutch as the Gin Kings survived a 21-point fourth quarter explosion from the returning David to notch their third win in eight games.
“After winning our first two games, there was a lot of hype and admittedly, we lost our focus,” said Siot Tanquingcen. “But it’s still a long process for us and hopefully, we can build on this.”
Globalport dropped to 1-8 with a fourth straight loss.
Air21 also hiked its record to 3-5, as new arrival Mike Cortez—acquired in a trade with Ginebra for Yousef Taha just three days ago—delivered in the clutch and keyed an 86-85 victory over Barako Bull.
“We can’t write a better script than that,” Pumaren said after Cortez, hit the Express’ final five points, including the marginal long jumper with 58.1 seconds left that gave Air21 a second straight win.
The former No. 1 pick out of La Salle was a-point-a-minute good, hitting 24 that went with six assists and six rebounds while orchestrating the Express who had five others finishing in twin digits.
“I was just looking to be aggressive,” Cortez, who turns 32 today, said when asked if he really looked to take over in the stretch.
Cortez had languished behind the shadow of LA Tenorio at Barangay Ginebra in his first seven games with the Gin Kings this season, as his averages dipped, from 9.4 points and 27 minutes last season to 3.5 markers and 14.6 minutes.
“I forgot how tired I’d be,” Cortez said of the extended stint he got.
Barako Bull slumped to its sixth loss in nine games.
The scores:
First Game
AIR21 86—Cortez 24, Sena 12, Isip 12, Wilson 11, Canaleta 11, Custodio 10, Arboleda 4, Baclao 2, Escobal 0, Reyes 0, Omolon 0, Ritualo 0.
BARAKO 85—Tubid 24, Pennisi 15, Urbiztondo 14, Anthony 13, Villanueva 13, Najorda 3, Marcelo 2, Kramer 1, Alvarez 0, Yap 0.
Quarters: 18-19, 38-44, 67-67, 86-85
Second Game
GINEBRA 81—Caguioa 19, Tenorio 14, Espiritu 12, Wilson 9, Mamaril 8, Helterbrand 8, Ellis 6, Maierhofer 3, Hatfield 2, Jensen 0, Labagala 0, Raymundo 0.
GLOBALPORT 79—David 27, Miller 18, Deutchman 8, Lingganay 7, Guevarra 7, Yee 4, Vergara 4, Salvador 2, Adducul 2, Manuel 0, Mandani 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Antonio 0.
Quarters: 17-20, 28-33, 52-56, 81-79