The Ginebra Kings showed off with a warrior’s crown that proved brighter than the Stars on Tuesday night and prevailed over the Hotshots, 89-86, in Game 7 of their seminal playoff at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Like true warriors, the Kings fought the Stars without let-up and dominated most part of the game, leading by as much as 15 points in the first half, on the way to the rousing victory that set them a to a best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup series.
Game 1 is on Friday at the MOA Arena.
“Seven games. Who could ask for more?,” blurted Ginebra coach Tim Cone after emerging out of the court to meet with the waiting members of the media at press room.
“It was tough. Our guys just did a good job at pushing and pushing and battling and battling. It was truly an amazing series. It was truly a team effort.”
Team effort indeed as four Ginebra guys led in offense with double-digit outputs and Sol Mercado top-scoring with 23 points, marked by four three pointers.
After Ginebra took the break at 45-36, the Hotshots, starring Marc Pingris, slowly came back to the thick of things to close the gap at 68-65, following a succession of baskets by Marc Pingris and Aldrech Ramos, more than minutes left in the fourth.
Mercado and LA Tenorio gave Ginebra some breathing room, 84-74, going into the final two minutes. Tenorio sealed the final tally with two more free throws.
The scores:
GINEBRA 89 – Mercado 23, Tenorio 21, Aguilar 19, Thompson 10, Devance 7, Cruz 6, Ferrer 2, Marcelo 1, Caguioa 0, Ellis 0.
STAR 76 – Maliksi 22, Pingris 17, Ramos 14, Barroca 8, Reavis 5, Lee 4, Jalalon 4, Melton 2, Simon 0, Sangalang 0, Dela Rosa 0.
Quarterscores: 26-16, 45-36, 65-61, 89-76.