Ginebra Kings’ Jayjay Helterbrand passing through Powerade’s defense and nails his winning basket. S. KIERON TAN Photo
VICTORIAS City, Negros Occidental – Barangay Ginebra put on display its resilient never-say-die spirit once again, overcoming a five-point deficit in the last 55 seconds as it stunned Powerade, 73-72, in a PBA Philippine Cup road game here Saturday night.
A good crowd at the Victorias Sports and Amusement Center stood as witness as the Kings pulled off an incredible come-from-behind feat completed by a putback by Mark Caguioa in the final second.
Caguioa followed up a missed lay-up by Jayjay Helterbrand as the Kings hacked out the mind-boggling victory forging a three-way tie at fourth place among Ginebra, Powerade and Meralco at 2-2.
The Tigers blew away the won ballgame as Romel Adducul and Gary David missed two free throws apiece in the last 26 seconds.
As David muffed his with 12.2 ticks left, the Kings executed a quick transition play with Helterbrand attacking the Powerade defense.
Helterbrand saw his lay-up rim out, but Caguioa was there for the putback – a turn of event that surprised everybody in the venue.
As the Tigers stood jolted, the Kings rushed onto the court and piled up on top of Caguioa and Helterbrand. Coach Siot Tanquingcen joined the jubilation in what's the biggest thriller of a win thus far in the season.
Powerade’s Marcio Lassiter challenges JC Intal’s defense during their weekend’s game in Victorias City. S. KIERON TAN Photo
For the Tigers, it’s a huge disappointment.
Adducul had a chance top wrap things up but blew it with missed charities with 26.2 seconds left.
In the ensuing play, Helterbrand set up Caguioa for a short stab as the Kings came to within one at 71-72 12 ticks later.
David then took his own trip to the line on a quick foul by Ronald Tubid. Alas, the 2010-11 league-scoring champ likewise succumbed to pressure.
The Kings didn’t waste the opportunity and thus got back on the winning track.
The two teams figured in a duel of spurts with the Tigers seizing control in the fourth quarter, 65-59, on three straight triples by Josh Vanlandingham, William Antonio and Celino Cruz.
The Kings charged back and drew even at 67-all before the Tigers took a 72-67 advantage on another triple by Cruz and a drive-in layup by David.
Then came the Powerade collapse and the Ginebra resurrection.
Actually, no single Ginebra player had an explosive game. Caguioa paced the team with only 11 points.
Marcio Lassiter, David and Celino Cruz all scored at least 14 points that went down the drain with their loss.
Top draft pick Jvee Casio finally made his pro debut but hardly got into the groove.
The scores:
GINEBRA 73 - Caguioa 11, Villanueva 9, Wilson W. 9, De Ocampo 8, Cortez 8, Intal 7, Canaleta 6, Helterbrand 6, Tubid 5, Wilson J. 4, Labagala 0, Aquino 0.
POWERADE 72 - Lassiter 21, David 17, Cruz 14, Antonio 6, Casio 3, Vanlandingham 3, Lingganay 2, Kramer 2, Calimag 2, Crisano 2, Adducul 0, Anthony 0.
Quarterscores: 22-21, 35-32, 57-54, 73-72
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