The Kings drubbed the Bolts, 81-71, as they sustained their climb in the PBA Philippine Cup, notching a third straight win to the delight of their throngs that braved this rainy Sunday.
“We had a good weekend but the mission is not yet over. We still have to keep on fighting and keep on climbing,” said coach Siot Tanquingcen as they jacked up their stock at sixth place with a 7-5 win-loss card.
“Yes, things are falling into place but we’re still not there. The goal is not just to make the quarterfinals. Kailangan maiwasan namin lumaban against a team with a twice-to-beat advantage. Mabigat yon,” Tanquingcen also said.
Barako, at 6-6, is a team that can still dislodge Ginebra in the Top Six.
Meralco wound up at 8-6, out of the race for the Top Two that reward twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
Sol Mercado and Mark Cadona, Meralco’s two-man scoring machine, combined for 38 points but the rest of Meralco team was limited to 33.
“The guys did work hard defensively in this game,” said Tanquingcen of their defensive effort, limiting the Bolts to their worst output in a game in the conference.
Mike Cortez, Ronald Tubid, Mark Caguioa and Rico Villanueva led the job on the other end, each one finishing in double figures.
Cortez, Villanueva, Caguioa, Tubid and Willy Wilson teamed up in their most decisive attack, a 13-2 run that gave the Kings a 79-66 lead with 1:46 left to play.
The Bolts were still very much in the thick of things at 64-66 before disintegrating.
Despite being held down to 27 in the first half, the Bolts stuck together, keeping the Kings from pulling away with a stand led by Mercado and Cardona.
Mercado led all scorers with 22 points that went with nine assists and six steals. Cardona added 16 points and seven rebounds. (SB)
The scores:
GINEBRA 81- Cortez 14, Tubid 13, Caguioa 13, Villanueva 11, Canaleta 9, Wilson W. 6, Mamaril 6, Intal 5, Lbagala 4, Wilson J. 0, Menk 0.
MERALCO 71 - Mercado 22, Cardona 16, Espinas 7, Macapagal 7, Isip 6, Yee 5, Hugnatan 4, Lanete 2, Omolon 2, Ballesteros 0, Borboran 0, Taulava 0.
Quarters: 22-15, 36-27, 59-50, 81-71
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