Caguioa lifts Gin Kings past Beermen
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/14/2009 11:12 PM
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MANILA -- Comebacking Mark Caguioa sparked Barangay Ginebra’s second-half onslaught to carry his team to a 98-86 win over San Miguel Beer in the opening game Wednesday night in the KFC-Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Caguioa, who sat out the previous season due to tendinitis on both knees, had 15 of his 17 points in the third period that allowed the Kings to break away from a tight contest.
Eric Menk led Ginebra with 18 points and drew plenty of help particularly from Caguioa and reigning MVP Jayjay Helterbrand, who also finished with 17 points aside from seven rebounds and nine assists.
“This is just a first game, every team is still feeling each other out,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, who lost to the Beermen in the Fiesta Cup finals last season.
“Siguro nag-relax lang sila dahil sa championship hang over and we don’t want to happen kung ano nangyari last time, kaya we moved our energy level a notch higher,” he added.
Caguioa played 28 minutes and shot 7-of-12 from the field in his return to the league.
“I’m just glad to be back and I’m happy to be playing again for the Ginebra fans,” said Caguiao.
Uichico said his ward is still “a step slower” in his comeback game but he’s hoping Caguioa can get back in full shape before playoffs.
Danny Ildefonso led San Miguel with 19 points while Mike Cortez added 12. Arwind Santos was held down to just 9 markers in his debut as a Beermen on 4-of-16 shooting from the field.
After taking a 49-43 halftime lead, Ginebra increased the gap to 10, 75-65, as Caguiao poured 15 markers in 11 minutes in the third quarter.
The Kings were never seriously threatened since then. Ronald Tubid and Willy Wilson added 12 and 10 markers respectively for Ginebra.
Miller shines for the Aces
Two-time MVP Willie Miller meanwhile dished out a rare triple-double performance with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists to help Alaska demolish Barako Bull, 99-83, to win its opening game.
Miller and veteran forward Reynel Hugnatan joined forces in the second half to break away from a tight contest in the first 24 minutes of the as the Energy Boosters started the game with oozing confidence to take a 41-38 halftime lead.
Hugnatan added 18 points while LA Tenorio chipped in 15 for Alaska, which finished second to Talk ‘N Text in the last All-Filipino tournament.
“Barako Bull has everything to gain and nothing to lose in this game that’s why we feel the pressure early,” said Aces head coach Tim Cone.
“But our defense kept us close in the first half and coach Joel (Banal) is so good in attacking the zone defense. Credit goes to him also,” Cone added.
The Energy Boosters were still in the lead on Ogie Menor’s drive, 45-42, when the Aces started to find their rhythm and unloaded a momentum-swinging 23-10 exchange capped by Hugnatan’s basket to erect a 65-55 advantage with 3:01 remaining in that stage.
Barako Bull stayed in the game for the first few minutes of the final canto after Jojo Duncil hit a jumper, 68-77 before Miller took charge and started a decisive 17-6 exchange for a commanding 94-74 cushion with less than four minutes left in the game.
“I’m happy for Willie. I expect a big conference on him because he has something to prove,” said Cone.
Former San Beda College standout Yousif Aljamal led Barako Bull with 18 points and 15 rebounds, both career-highs for the third-year pro.
Duncil was the only other Barako Bull player in double figures with 13 points while Aries Dimaunahan chipped in nine markers for coach Leo Isaac.
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