Kings keep streaking, whip Energy Cola

MANILA, Philippines - Vernon Macklin and LA Tenorio came through in the absence of skipper Mark Caguioa as crowd darling Barangay Ginebra turned back a stubborn Barako Bull, 96-89, to extend its amazing run to a league-high four in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

Macklin towered above everyone else and came through with game-highs of 33 points and 22 rebounds, including 12 on the offensive end, while Tenorio shed off his playmaking a bit and went on a shooting mode, rifling in 27 points he laced with five booming three-pointers to lead the way.

The pair’s heroics helped the Kings, who played minus the prolific Caguioa due to a strained MCL (medial collateral ligament), clinch their fourth straight win and five overall against five defeats to join Air21 and San Mig Coffee at fifth spot.

“Without Mark (Caguioa), it’s a different ballgame,” said Brgy. Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua. 

“But I asked the players before the game for everyone to step up, not just one player but everyone and I have to give it to Vernon (Macklin) and LA (Tenorio) for stepping up the biggest,” he added.

Truly, Macklin and Tenorio took charge for the Kings with the former bullying his way to 22 of his total output in the final half and the latter exploding for 15 first half points.

“I talked to LA and told him he is still my point guard but I will need him to play the two (shooting guard) in the second half because I will need his scoring more than his assists. He answered by stepping up big,” said Chua.

Ginebra, meanwhile, survived its poor free throw shooting as it missed a whopping 27 of the 44 foul shots. Interestingly, Chris Ellis went 0-of-five from the line while Macklin was better off in the field (12-of-24) than from the penalty area, (nine-of-23).

“It’s not surprising,” said Chua.

Chua said they’re lucky Caguioa will not be out that long.

In the nightcap, Rain or Shine displayed lights-out shooting as it steamrollered Talk N’ Text, 116-85, to seize a share of the lead with Alaska Milk on identical 7-3 (win-loss) slate.

The Tropang Texters fell to a share of fourth spot with Brgy. Ginebra, Air21 and San Mig Coffee on 5-5 marks.