source: abs-cbnnews.com
Comebacking Mark Caguioa sparked Barangay Ginebra’s second-half onslaught to carry his team to a 98-86 win over San Miguel Beer in the opening game Wednesday night in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Caguioa, who sat out the previous season due to tendinitis on both knees, had 15 of his 17 points in the third period that allowed the Kings to break away from a tight contest.
Eric Menk led Ginebra with 18 points and drew plenty of help particularly from Caguioa and reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand, who also finished with 17 points aside from seven rebounds and nine assists.
“This is just a first game, every team is still feeling each other out,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, who lost to the Beermen in the Fiesta Cup finals last season.
“Siguro nag-relax lang sila dahil sa championship hang over and we don’t want to happen kung ano nangyari last time, kaya we moved our energy level a notch higher,” he added.
Caguioa played 28 minutes and shot 7-of-12 from the field in his return to the league.
“I’m just glad to be back and I’m happy to be playing again for the Ginebra fans,” said Caguiao.
Uichico said his ward is still “a step slower” in his comeback game but he’s hoping Caguioa can get back in full shape before playoffs.
Danny Ildefonso led San Miguel with 19 points while Mike Cortez added 12. Arwind Santos was held down to just 9 markers in his debut as a Beermen on 4-of-16 shooting from the field.
After taking a 49-43 halftime lead, Ginebra increased the gap to 10, 75-65, as Caguiao poured 15 markers in 11 minutes in the third quarter.
The Kings were never seriously threatened since then. Ronald Tubid and Willy Wilson added 12 and 10 markers respectively for Ginebra.
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