Relentless Ginebra nails first win after five tries

Brgy. Ginebra import Vernon Macklin gets double-teamed by Barako Bull’s Mick Pennisi and Evan Brock. PBA IMAGES/Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—It took relentless effort on both ends for Brgy. Ginebra to rout Barako Bull, 93-72, and notch its first win Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It took the Kings five tries before getting the taste of victory this conference, and the lion’s share of the credit goes to their defense.

“Yung depensa sabi dati masama, siguro nawala rin ang gana nila dahil ayaw kumilos ng import namin (Herbert Hill),” said Alfrancis Chua, who also got his first win as a head coach.

Ginebra held Barako Bull to just 15 points until midway the second quarter and just 26 at the half. Chua thinks import Vernon Macklin has a lot to do with the renewed vigor.

“Damay damay yan eh. Ngayon, nakikita nila ito (Vernon Macklin) na nagpapakamatay para sa kanila,” said Chua.

Macklin wound up with 21 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, while star guard Mark Caguioa topscored with 23 points for the Kings.

Ginebra, this time, took on a new role in doing the damage and led by as much as 28 points on a jumper by Caguioa with 5:12 left to play.

Barako Bull, meanwhile, dropped to 3-2 as 23 turnovers –which turned into 25 big points for Ginebra — keyed in its doom.

Evan Brock had 16 points and 14 rebounds, while starting guard Josh Urbiztondo added 16 markers but couldn’t take care of the leather and ended up with seven turnovers.