Ginebra nips Meralco for 6th straight victory behind Macklin’s game winner

Vernon Macklin vs Eric Dawson PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—Vernon Macklin sank the game-winning drive with 7.9 seconds left to lift Barangay Ginebra San Miguel over Meralco, 91-90, Sunday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Macklin sliced through the lane – past his defender Eric Dawson for the go-ahead bucket as the Kings extended their winning streak to six games and more importantly assured themselves of a quarterfinals slot.

“I just told [Macklin] they might foul you because they have one more foul to give,” said Ginebra head coach Alfrancis Chua. “But I think if you move faster than that baka makalimutan nila and then pag hawak mo ng bola just go strong.”

Macklin finished with 31 points and 12 rebounds while Mac Baracael and LA Tenorio each had 17.

Ginebra (7-5) played its third straight game without its main man Mark Caguioa due to a left knee injury.

Dawson, who had 27 points after going off for a season-high 57 the last time out, had a good look on a baseline floater but just couldn’t get the angle to put it in that would’ve won the game for the Bolts.

Meralco, which trailed, 81-89, with only 2:26 left, dropped to 6-6.

Sunday Salvacion put the Bolts ahead by one, 90-89, after burying a cold-blooded three from the left wing with 12.9 ticks left.