GINEBRA STAYS AFLOAT

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel desperately needed a win and the embattled Kings responded with a 120-98 drubbing of Barako Bull in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

Sol Mercado, Kim Jiwan and Orlando Johnson starred in a fourth quarter explosion, turning the close contest into a rout. From a slim 87-83 lead early in the payoff period, Ginebra built a 116-91 bulge going into the final two minutes.

The win gave the Kings a 4-6 slate, tying idle Talk n Text at ninth. More importantly, it gave them an outside chance of catching the last bus to the playoffs.

“It’s all about energy and effort and yung hustle namin given by Emman (Monfort), (Rodney) Brondial, (Dave) Marcelo, Johnson and Jiwan especially when they zoned us we buried 2 or 3 3pointers,” said Ginebra coach Frankie Lim. “We’re just  hoping we give the same energy next week pag kalaban namin ang NLEX.”

Johnson led all scorers with 41 points. Five other Kings scored 10 points or more.

Barako Bull actually controlled the earlu goings, taking a 22-12 lead. But Ginebra quickly got back into the game.

The Energy, who were led by Liam McMorrow’s 32 points and 11 rebounds, suffered their third straight setback. The early league leaders are now tied for third at 6-4
alongside Rain or Shine and GlobalPort. (JL)

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