Rampaging Ginebra rips Meralco anew, posts back-to-back victories

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Winning back-to-back has been elusive for the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

But with a fresh start in the semifinals, Ginebra ran roughshod over the Meralco Bolts anew, 89-76, on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City to post consecutive victories for the first time in the Governors’ Cup.

Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen wanted his team to take care of the ball to limit opportunities for the Bolts, and it worked.

“We made a conscious effort on limiting their turnover and fastbreak points. They’re the No.1 team in terms of turnover points and fast breaks,” said Tanquingcen, who said winning two straight games was not the focus of his team.

“That’s far from my mind. Our main focus was to have a good start in the semis because dikit-dikit halos yung mga teams, except fo Rain or Shine.”

Kerby Raymundo led the way for the Gin Kings, coming up with a double-double performance of 16 points and 13 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting from the field.

“He’s coming along. We’ve been running plays different from what they’ve been doing when he was with Purefoods, but he’s getting more comfortable and he’s willing to learn,” said Tanquingcen of Raymundo.

It was the second lopsided victory by Ginebra over Meralco this conference. The Gin Kings won over the Bolts, 100-73 last June 2 in Lapu-Lapu City.

High-scoring Meralco guard Mac Cardona had a quiet 12 points and was hardly a factor for his squad.

The Gin Kings outmuscled the Bolts in the battle of the boards, 61-41. Ginebra also clobbered Meralco on second chance points, 20-6.

Ginebra posted leads as high as 25, the last of which happened early in the fourth quarter, 79-54.

The scores:

Ginebra (89) – Raymundo 16, Bozeman 13, Maliksi 12, Caguioa 10, Cortez 8, W. Wilson 6, Menk 6, Ababou 5, Villanueva 5, Helterbrand 5, Maierhofer 2, Hatfield 1, Mamaril 0.

Meralco (76) – West 22, Taulava 17, Mercado 12, Cardona 12, Hugnatan 9, Ross 2, Artadi 2, Bulawan 0, Ballesteros 0, Daa 0, Reyes 0, Macapagal 0.

Quarters: 25-10, 43-30, 73-50, 89-76

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