GINEBRA CLOBBERS PUREFOODS STAR
It’s the night of two Purefoods past greats seized later by the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
Coach Jeff Cariaso pulled a first one over his mentor, Tim Cone, as the Kings came out strong and clobbered the Hotshots, 89-66, to regain a piece of second place in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.
Joseph Yeo top scored with 17 points while Greg Slaughter and Billy Mamaril logged double-double numbers as the Kings spoiled Purefoods’ ceremony to retire the jerseys of Jerry Codinera (44) and Rey Evangelista (7).
“I’d like to congratulate Jerry and Rey. They’re not just good players but good people. But it’s one of those nights when we want it more than them,” said Cariaso.
“We’re intense from our practices and it carried over to the game. We’re really precise with our game plan,” Cariaso added.
Purefoods was ready with its rites and with the retro uniform the Hotshots wore in the night, but not for the carnage waiting them in the highly anticipated game that drew a crowd of over 18,000.
“The nine-day break hurt them more than helped them. Knowing coach Tim, he would’ve wanted to play the next day after winning the last time,” said Cariaso.
The Kings we’re well prepared, dishing out another riveting game as they did against Talk n Text, Kia and Blackwater.
They opened the game with 10 unanswered points and sustained a dominant ride, coasting to a fourth win against a single loss to tie San Miguel Beer at second place.
Purefoods, meanwhile, dropped to ninth place with a 1-3 card.
“I can breathe now. I couldn’t breathe the last four days thinking about this game,” Cariaso said.
Cariaso pressed the right buttons with Yeo, Slaughter, Mamaril, Japeth Aguilar and Mac Baracael all dishing out solid games.
Yeo sizzled with five triples and added five assists and one steal on top of 17 points.
Slaughter contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds, Mamaril added 12 markers and 13 boards while Aguilar and Baracael combined for 24 points and 12 caroms.
James Yap, back from an injury, struggled for seven points for the Hotshots who were paced by PJ Simon with 15. (SB)
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