PBA action: Gin Kings thwart Barakos, 83-76
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/03/2008 10:44 PM
Printer-friendly version | 
Send to friend | 
Share your views
Barangay Ginebra got a step closer to secure a slot in the next round by beating Red Bull, 83-76, Wednesday night in the 2008-09 KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Kings endured the Barakos' repeated rallies in the second half, firing a 10-2 burst in the closing minutes to avenge their first-round loss to Red Bull.
"We are really lucky that we are still in a striking distance at the top, and hopefully we can sustain the game we're playing," said Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico.
"Everybody is contributing in their own little way and it's good that we won today because we're playing back to back games," he added.
Ronald Tubid had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Kings, who improved to 7-6. Sunday Salvacion also had 15 while Junthy Valenzuela chipped in 12.
Paul Aradi pitched in 10 to go along with his six assists and four steals in a starting role as the Gin Kings missed the services of Jayjay Helterbrand due to groin injury.
In the second game, Rain or Shine showed escaped Sta. Lucia with a 80-79 win to join San Miguel Beer at second spot with 8-6 card.
Rob Wainwright had a crucial free throw off a loose ball foul by Dennis Espino that gave Elasto Painters an 80-79 lead with 26.1 seconds left.
Paolo Mendoza had two chances to give the Realtors the victory but he muffed both three-point attempts. The last one came with 1.9 ticks left.
SLR coach Boyet Fernandez thought that Mendoza was fouled in the last play and charged his way to the officials’' table but his complaints fell to deaf ears as the Realtors dropped to 7-7.
Jay-R Reyes led Elasto Painters with 25 points while Gabe Norwood chipped in 19 for coach Caloy Garcia.
Reigning MVP Kelly Williams had a game-high 31 points but his efforts but went down the drain after Sta. Lucia absorbed a disappointing loss.
