GINEBRA BACK ON TRACK
Amidst talks of his possible ouster, Leon Rodgers stayed focused on his job, pouring in 33 points as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel snapped a two-game losing skein by repulsing GlobalPort, 113-107, in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday night.
Rodgers went 9-of-9 from the line in the fourth quarter as the Kings warded off the Batang Pier’s stubborn challenge and pulled off the win that drew them level with the Air21 Express and the Meralco Bolts at fourth place at 2-2.
Determined to win the game as a birthday gift to team owner Mikee Romero, the Batang Pier fell short of their bid and remained winless in five starts in the mid-season tourney.
“Lahat nag-contribute. Meron communication sa loob ng court. Gustong manalo eh,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.
“Except sa first quarter, trinabaho talaga ng team ng husto. Nagbigay kami ng maraming easy points sa first quarter but we regrouped and toughened up on defense to the finish,” Agustin also said.
Mark Caguioa and Japeth Aguilar produced double-double numbers while Jayjay Helterbrand and LA Tenorio added double-digit outputs for the Kings, who overcame a flat start, seizing command in the third quarter and going on to keep the Batang Pier winless under coach Pido Jarencio.
Rodgers went 6-of-16 from the field, canned in a total of 19 charities and finished with a double-double game with 13 rebounds.
Caguioa came through with 15 points and 14 rebounds while Aguilar got away with 10 markers and 12 boards for their own double-double performances.
Evan Brock continued to churn out big numbers with 36 points and 17 rebounds but still couldn’t get the needed support from his local teammates.
Mark Macapagal’s support came a little late with the three-time three-point king making 11 points when the Kings were in full control in the payoff period.
Aguilar capped a six-point output in the second quarter by slamming in a missed shot by Mark Caguioa as Ginebra seized a 53-52 edge at the half.
Earlier, GlobalPort starters Brock, Jay Washington, Alex Cabagnot, Jewel Poferrada and Terrence Romeo outperformed Ginebra counterparts Rodgers, Caguiao, Chris Ellis, Jayr Reyes and Tenorio as the Batang Pier took the early initiative, enjoying a 14-point spread at 20-6.
The Kings slowly ate up that GlobalPort buffer, finally surging ahead at 35-34 on two free throws by Billy Mamaril four minutes into the second period.
Before taking the one-point halftime lead, the Kings even led by five at 50-45 on a trey by Rodgers and a three-point play by Ellis.
The Kings got going in the second half, building a 12-point lead at 75-63, and staying in control up to the end. (SB)
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