Source PBA.PH
Fri, 12/25/2009 - 20:38
JC Intal, Ronald Tubid and Cyrus Baguio figured in an aerial showdown among themselves, giving the Barangay Ginebra fans a special Christmas treat.
More importantly, Intal, Tubid and Baguio were men of the hour, carrying the Ginebra Kings to a 106-97 win over the Coca-Cola Tigers in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup Christmas Day setto at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Intal made a career-high 20 points, Tubid put in 18 and Baguio added 14 as they totally outperformed their Coke counterparts, giving Ginebra a triumphant closing game in 2009.
The tourney takes a 12-day break with Ginebra tied with Purefoods Tender Juicy at fourth place with identical 9-6 win-loss cards.
San Miguel Beer, with a 12-3 record, and Alaska, at 11-2, lead the race for the two outright semifinal berths with Talk n Text at third with a 10-5 slate.
The all-Filipino confab resumes on Jan. 6 with Ginebra and Talk n Text pitted in the 7:30 p.m. mainer. Sta. Lucia and Rain or Shine clash at 5 p.m.
"This is a big win keeping us right behind the leaders entering the homestretch of the elims," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
"We must keep on improving then hopefully next year we can have our injured players back. We have three tough games left against Talk n Text, Alaska and Burger King," Uichico added.
Coca-Cola, meanwhile, is now only half-game ahead of cellar-dweller Barako Bull (2-12) as the Tigers reeled with a 12th loss against three wins.
The Tigers, the Energy Boosters, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-10) and the Burger King Whoppers are slugging it out to avoid last-place finish in the double-round elims. The 10th placer is out of the playoffs.
Coca-Cola big men Dennis Espino and Asi Taulava produced huge numbers but these were negated by the sterling games of Intal, Tubid and Baguio.
Tubid sparkled in the first half, Baguio sizzled in the third quarter then Intal had his own show in the final period highlighted by two electrifying slams.
"JC had his potential based on his skills. Kulang pa lang sa knowledge and understanding of the game through experience," said Uichico.
"But we're happy nagtra-trabaho talaga sila ng husto habang kulang kami. Hopefully, we can get outright quarters entry and by that time, sana balik na ang mga injured players namin," Uichico added.
Among Ginebra stars sidelined by injuries are Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Junthy Valenzuela. (SB)
The scores:
Ginebra 106 - Intal 20, Tubid 18, Wilson 16, Baguio 14, Cruz 11, Villanueva 11, Mamaril 10, Abarrientos 6, White 0, Salvacion 0, Menk 0.
Coca-Cola 97 - Espino 21, Taulava 17, Cabagnot 16, Rizada 13, Rodriguez 10, Macapagal 8, Ross 6, Gonzales 3, Calimag 2, Cruz 1.
Quarterscores: 28-26, 61-54, 85-76, 106-97
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