Win one for Jawo: Caguioa lifts Ginebra over Barako Bull

AKTV/Paolo Papa

Mark Caguioa wanted to be there for Barangay Ginebra legend Robert Jaworski’s big bash.

Trying to book a ticket to the Governors’ Cup semifinals, when the jersey retirement ceremony for the Living Legend will be held, Caguioa and the rest of the Gin Kings took care of business against Barako Bull, 102-91, Friday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

“We want to enter the semifinals and would like to make sure we will be there when his number is retired,” said Caguioa.

Caguioa finished with 22 points, including four three-pointers. His last trey with 1:42 left gave Ginebra a 96-87 lead and broke the back of rallying Barako Bull, which fought its way back from a 15-point deficit, but made costly errors down the stretch.

Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi said endgame miscues, including a traveling violation on LeRoy Hickerson, were crucial.

“Nagkaroon ng breakdown yung import ko,” said a dejected Baculi on Hickerson, who was called for steps while suing for a timeout.

“He thought he heard the whistle, but he was called for a travelling.”

In the face of the Barako rally, import Cedric Bozeman scored five straight points, including a three-pointer, giving Ginebra an 89-84 lead, with still 4:19 left. Caguioa then delivered the knockout blow with five straight points of his own inside the last two minutes to put away Barako Bull.

The scores:

Ginebra (102) – Bozeman 28, Caguioa 22, Villanueva 11, Wilson 9, Raymundo 9, Cortez 8, Maliksi 6, Ababou 3, Maierhofer 3, Canaleta 3, Hatfield 0.

Barako Bull (91) – Hickerson 21, Seigle 14, Miller 12, Allado 10, Pennisi 9, Tubid 7, Kramer 6, Najorda 5, Cruz 4, Salvacion 3.

Quarters: 31-22; 54-43; 74-71; 102-91.

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