Got a tip? Send it to us at manila@coconuts.co.
MANILA – Barangay Ginebra fans can finally heave a sigh of relief.
The Gin Kings beat the NLEX Road Warriors in a must-win game on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to clinch the final spot in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Ginebra import Orlando Johnson and guard LA Tenorio each put in a 21-point performance, but it was Japeth Aguilar’s three-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in the game that ultimately earned the 110-107 win against the stubborn Road Warriors led by Michael Madanly.
The Asian import scored 36 points to go with five rebounds and four assists for NLEX, who had a seven-point lead going into the final quarter.
The Gin Kings battled back, however, and outscored the Road Warriors, 32-22, in the final period.
Madanly missed his chance to tie the game at 107 with 15.8 left in the clock, and was bailed out by veteran Asi Taulava, who finished the game with 18 points and five boards.
The Gin Kings complete the playoff cast for the conference, joining Alaska Milk, San Miguel Beer, Rain or Shine, Globalport, Star, Barako Bull, and Meralco.
The scores:
Ginebra 110 – Tenorio 21, Johnson 21, Kim 16, Slaughter 14, Monfort 11, Mercado 9, Marcelo 9, Aguilar 7, Brondial 2, Pena 0, Baracael 0.
NLEX 107 – Madanly 36, Taulava 18, Alexander 12, Borboran 11, Raymundo 10, Canaleta 7, Villanueva J. 5, Cardona 2, Lingganay 2, Villanueva E. 2, Arboleda H. 2, Wilson 0, Ramos 0.
Quarters: 21-29, 50-55, 78-85, 110-107
Photo: Mark Cristino/ABS-CBNnews.com
This story was republished with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.
Done reading? Sit back, relax and watch Coconuts TV:
