Kings bounce back, rip Painters
PBA IMAGES
An over-the-hump game.
Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone made this description as to what they achieved in a battle with Rain or Shine Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings sprang back good enough from a double-overtime loss to San Miguel Beer, beating out Rain or Shine, 101-87, to enhance its PBA Governors Cup playoff aspiration.
“It’s a tough one. Against Rain or Shine, nothing comes easy. We battled all the way and we had to make all the stops to open up a game a little in the fourth quarter. I call that an over-the-hump game,” said Cone.
Starting and finishing strong, the Gin Kings stayed in equal footing with Mahindra playing coach Manny Pacquiao and his team at second place with their identical 5-2 win-loss cards.
With Dior Lowhorn kept in check by Ginebra, the Elasto Painters failed to keep in step with the Kings and went down with a third loss in six starts.
Justin Browlee sizzled with 31 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and six steals as against Dior Lowhorn’s measly 10 markers and eight boards – a giant disparity in the performance of the imports that proved to be a huge boost as the Kings moved back in strong contention for the playoffs or even a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Eight.
Cone was elated they pulled through on a night the PBA paid its last respect to the late legendary coach Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan.
“I’m honored to do this in honor of coach Baby,” said Cone
“Except for many father, the only other person I want to emulate in terms of life, accomplishment and the kind of person he was, is Baby Dalupan. He’s a real set. The more I get to know him the more I realize how wonderful a person he is,” Cone added.
Sol Mercado, LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar also dished out solid performances to help Cone honor Dalupan with a won game.
Mercado came through with 19 markers, four assists and three rebounds, Tenorio contributed 15 points, nine assists, four rebounds and two steals while Aguilar got away with 14 markers and six boards.
Mark Caguioa had timely baskets as his contribution in their breakaway from a 77-75 edge early in the fourth quarter.
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