Gin Kings refuse to quit, survive Aces to force do-or-die game
February 5, 2017 | 9:30pm
Barangay Ginebra's LA Tenorio | PBA Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra live to play another game after stunning Alaska, 85-81, in their quarterfinals clash at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Sunday night.
The Gin Kings dug themselves out of a 17-point hole to stay in the hunt for a semifinals spot in the PBA's Philippine Cup.
Ginebra's "Never say Die" mantra was in full swing as they mounted a 25-1 run in third period to turn the tide. They were able to snatch the lead from Alaska for a brief stretch.
Alaska's do-it-all forward Calvin Abueva took matters into his own hands early in the payoff period, but his exploits were rendered futile as LA Tenorio, Kevin Ferrer, and Sol Mercado held fort.
"We're not going to be happy about this one. We're not going to be cheering or high-fiving because all we did was tie the series," expressed Gin Kings' head coach Tim Cone. "At this point, in my mind, this game is gone."
"I'm already thinking about the next game," he explained.
"It was a struggle for us in the first half. We're missing layups, making silly turnovers. We were lucky [Alaska] dind't blow us out in the first half," the Grand Slam tactician noted.
Ginebra, which was crowned champion in the season-ending Governors Cup, will seek to complete their upset of the No. 2 Alaska on Tuesday at the Big Dome.
Earlier, defending conference champions San Miguel Beer eliminated Rain or Shine. The former will take on the winner between the Star-GlobalPort clash.
The scores:
GINEBRA 85 - Tenorio 16, Thompson 15, Aguilar 15, Mercado 12, Devance 10, Marcelo 6, Helterbrand 5, Ferrer 2, Cruz 2, Caguioa 2, Ellis 0, Taha 0.
ALASKA 81 - Abueva 20, Casio 16, Thoss 9, Cruz 9, Manuel 9, Pascual 6, Hontiveros 6, Exciminiano 3, Racal 3, Magat 0, Mendoza 0, Galliguez 0, Jazul 0.
Quarterscores: 13-23, 29-41, 62-54, 85-81
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