Gritty Ginebra downs Talk ‘N Text 104-101

MANILA: Mark Caguioa did a Robert Jaworski, and Barangay Ginebra is back in the thick of the PBA Philippine Cup fight.
Caguioa, despite a busted left eyebrow, scored 18 points in the final three periods last night and helped the Gin Kings turn back powerhouse Talk ‘N Text, 104-101, that put Ginebra back in serious contention at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After getting accidentally hit by an Ali Peek elbow with just over two minutes left in the first period, Caguioa returned to the court early in the second quarter with a heavily-taped eyebrow and was a critical factor in Ginebra’s fourth win in nine games.
The scene that had Caguioa being escorted back to the locker room and returning a few minutes later was reminiscent of what Jaworski did in the late 1980s, when he played through a blown kisser to lead Ginebra past Purefoods.
“It was all heart out there,” Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen answered when asked of the key to the Kings’ second straight win, one which wasn’t really expected considering that his squad was coming off a narrow win against lowly Globalport on Friday.
Facing the toughest squad in the league-leading, defending champion Tropang Texters, Ginebra led by as many as 13 points in the final period before holding off a furious Talk ‘N Text finish.
The Texters remained in the lead at 7-2.
LA Tenorio was also remarkable and actually played his best offensive game in a Ginebra uniform, shooting 21 points despite cramping up on both legs, with Rudy Hatfield coming off the bench to score 12 and grab 14 rebounds.
“A few days ago we would have thunked it,” Tanquingcen added, referring to the close finish. “The biggest part is heart, it’s our desire to win.”
Caguioa fired eight of his total in the fourth period, which was enough to help the Kings keep the Texters within arm’s length.
Ranidel De Ocampo fired 20 points and had 10 rebounds and Jason Castro shot 18 for the Texters, whose failed bid – not because of a lack of effort – last night would certainly sour coach Norman Black’s 55th birthday celebration on Monday.
Meanwhile, Petron Blaze’s miseries continued earlier in the day after the Boosters, arguably the strongest team on paper, fired blanks all game against Meralco to go down, 95-81.
The loss was the third straight in a 3-6 card for the Boosters, who are rumored to be having a major shakeup in their roster this week as they will release a disgruntled star for a very established scorer.
A three-team trade is being worked out involving one of Petron’s sister teams and a neutral squad which would bring another certified scorer in the lineup in place of a power forward.
Details of the deal are being kept under wraps, but sources said that the trade proposal, which would involve a neutral team as conduit, will be presented to the Office of the Commissioner today for approval.
Solomon Mercado scored 11 straight points and had 14 overall in a 24-11 run that opened up the third period for Meralco, which was enough for the Bolts to rise to 5-3 and be within striking distance of the leaders.
Reynel Hugnatan was 10-of-12 from the floor for 22 points, and Mac Cardona missed a triple double by just one rebound after tallying 16 points and 10 assists.