Source: ABS-CBN News
-- Barangay Ginebra rode again on JC Intal's all-around performance to score a 113-100 win over Talk ‘N Text in Game 5 of their best-of-5 quarterfinal series to enter the semifinals of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup in front of more than 20,000 fans Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Intal hit a career-high 28 points to go along with his 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks in his best performance yet in the series to carry the Kings to the best-of-7 semis duel against top seed Alaska.
"I can't find an explanation on this. It has nothing to do with me but the players for not giving up," said Ginebra head coach Jong Uichico, who became the first mentor to overhaul a 0-2 deficit in a best-of-5 series and win it.
"I'm happy we're able to make it to the semis despite what happened in the past," he added.
Ronald Tubid added 16 markers while Eric Menk had the same number of output but added 14 rebounds to lead the frontline attack of the Ranidel de Ocampo-less Tropang Texters.
De Ocampo was suspended by the league for his flagrant foul penalty 2 on Tubid in the abbreviated Game 4. TNT walked out in that game as they questioned calls by the referees.
This time, there's no question that the game belonged to Ginebra, which led from start to finish even though the Texters made some attempts to steal the game from the Kings.
The last time TNT threatened was at 96-102 on Jimmy Alapag's back-to-back three-pointers but the Kings, behind Intal and Menk, finished off the period with an 11-4 windup to dethrone the All-Filipino champions.
Mark Cardona paced TNT with 21 points while Jason Castro and Alapag each had 18 apiece for coach Chot Reyes.
Giants end Painters' bid
Purefoods Tender Juicy halted the magical run of Rain or Shine in the tournament with a masterful 95-85 victory to clinch their best-of-5 quarterfinal series, 3-2.
James Yap fired a game-high 28 points, 13 came in the third period that helped the Giants to break away from close game and face San Miguel Beer in the best-of-7 semifinal series starting Wednesday.
Kerby Raymundo and Roger Yap each had 16 markers for Purefoods, which was forced by the young Elasto Painters to a deciding Game 5 after taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
"Rain or Shine is always a hard match up for us. They are younger and quicker team than us," said Giants head coach Ryan Gregorio who also drew 14 points and 16 rebounds, 8 from the offensive end.
"But I told the players in Game 5, you throw away the stats. Just bring your huge heart on the court and that's what we brought tonight," he added.
Yap, who struggled in Games 3 and 4, was instrumental in Purefoods' strong third quarter as it scored the Elasto Painters, 30-19, to turn a 50-47 halftime edge into an 80-66 cushion going to the final quarter.
The Giants were still holding a 91-79 lead before Rain or Shine responded with a quick 6-0 run capped by Solomon Mercado's triple to stay within striking distance, 85-91, 3:05 left in the game.
But the Painters' hope to come closer ended as Yap hit a jumper in the ensuing play after Rain or Shine came out empty in its next possession, Raymundo sealed the win with two free throws off Eddie Laure, 95-85, 1:37 remaining.
"It's a great relief we finally hurdled this one because they are really a tough team and at certain times, that team possesses bigger hearts than us," said Gregorio.
Mercado led the Elasto Painters with 23 points but was hobbled by foul trouble all throughout the game. Gabe Norwood was the only other Rain or Shine player in double figures with 20 points.
Jeff Chan, one of the stars in Rain or Shine's back-to-back wins, was held down to just 8 points and was 1-of-6 from the rainbow area.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
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