Helterbrand, Raymundo turn back the clock as Kings live another day

Chris Tiu of Rain or Shine battles for the ball against Ginebra San Miguel’s Yousif Taha and Josh Urbiztondo. NUKI SABIO/PBA image

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra San Miguel drew throwback performances from Jayjay Helterbrand and Kerby Raymundo to rally past Rain or Shine, 90-83, Saturday night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Helterbrand knocked in all of his 13 points in the fourth period while Raymundo had 11 of his 14 points in the second half, where the Kings came back from 15 down to forge a deciding Game 3 on Monday for a semifinals slot.

“We got one more game, twice-to-beat and best-of-three is the same thing, we need to beat them twice,” said Ginebra head coach Alfrancis Chua. Jayjay stepped up for us, Kerby stepped up for us. Ang maganda dito they’re up by 12 but we didn’t quit.”

Import Vernon Macklin had a team-high 21 points while LA Tenorio added 19. Newly acquired point guard Josh Urbiztondo struggled from the field in his Ginebra debut with just four points on two-of-11 shooting from the field—missing all of his six shots from downtown but he did have six rebounds and six assists.

Urbiztondo also put in the go-ahead basket for his team, 63-62, at the 10:24 mark of the fourth quarter.

Helterbrand went three-of-three from long range—his last trey putting the game out of reach—86-79, with only 1:13 remaining.

“I keep asking him to just shoot the ball and he did it. Wala na akong masabi. It’s time for him to shine. This game, I’m giving it to Jayjay,” added Chua.

“I just want to say thanks to coach for giving me the confidence. I just want a chance to at least break a sweat,” said Helterbrand.

Bruno Sundov led the Elasto Painters with 29 points but was hardly a factor in the final frame.