Ginebra forges game 5 vs Talk N’ Text in PBA Commissioner’s Cup semis

MANILA, Philippines — Ginebra hung tough down the stretch, forging a winner-take-all match after nipping Talk N’ Text, 104-101, Friday in game four of their taut semifinals series in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Vernon Macklin notched his career high at the perfect time, finishing with 37 points — including two go-ahead points for 101-99 edge with 54.4 seconds left.

Freethrows from LA Tenorio and Kerby Raymundo within the final 15 seconds, then, quashed any chance of a miracle comeback for Talk N’ Text.

Four other Kings finished in double digits with JayJay Helterband leading the locals with 17 markers and Tenorio with 16.

“This win is for my players. Can’t say enough about them. They didn’t quit,” said head coach Al Francis Chua whose squad bounced back from an embarrassing 80-98 setback in game three.

Tony Mitchell, who has only played two games here, sizzled with 45 big points for the Texters, showcasing his offensive capabilities all game.

But it all went to waste as the young Mitchell misfired on several crucial baskets in the last four minutes — especially in the Texters’ last three possessions.