Caguioa lifts Ginebra over Alaska for 3rd straight win

Chris Ellis vs Sonny Thoss. PBA IMAGES by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—Mark Caguioa carried Barangay Ginebra San Miguel down the stretch as the Kings edged Alaska, 96-93, Sunday night in the 38th PBA Philippine Cup.

Caguioa sank the go-ahead basket on a floater, 95-93, with 43.4 seconds remaining.

“It’s good we were able to squeak out this win. Pahirapan., malakas din ang Alaska. In the third lumamang sila but we were able to get back our composure,” said Ginebra head coach Siot Tanquingcen.

After a five-game skid, Ginebra has now chalked up its third consecutive win in a row for a 5-5 record, moving ahead of Alaska for fifth place.

“It was a big boost for us—three in a row. Everyone is getting involved especially the bigs,” said Caguioa, who had a clutch 24 points on the eve of his 33rd birthday.

Billy Mamaril also came through with 16 points, 12 rebounds and a crucial play that kept the possession to the Kings.

Mamaril went for the loose ball off a miss three-point attempt by LA Tenorio, able to throw the ball to Cyrus Baguio as ball went out of bounds with 7.2 ticks left.

“Wala si Abueva so we grabbed this opportunity, I think we won the hustle points tonight,” said Tenorio.

The Aces seemed it hardly missed the absence of their rookie Calvin Abueva when they led, 80-72, on an RJ Jazul triple with 10:17 remaining.

But thanks to 13 fourth-quarter points from Caguioa, Ginebra battled back.

Mac Baracael led Alaska with 21 points, including a long two that put his team back on top, 93-91, on a setup by Baguio with 1:21 left.

Mamaril answered back for Ginebra, tipping in a Willie Wilson miss to knot the count at 93, with 1:15 left.

The Aces, who reeled to their fourth straight defeat, had a chance to regain the lead but JVee Casio lost the ball as it hit his foot before going out of bounds.

Casio, who was held scoreless in the payoff period, lost the ball again on Alaska’s next trip after Caguioa’s basket.

Ginebra, which had a hard time at the charity stripe by going just 24-of-40, avenged its blowout loss the first time it played against Alaska this conference.

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