BARANGAY Ginebra took its never-say-die all the way to Bahrain.
Scottie Thompson drained a clutch three-pointer in the final seven seconds to complete the Kings' thrilling 102-100 comeback over Rain or Shine in their PBA Phillipine Cup game early Thursday morning (Manila time) at the Khalifa City Sports Stadium.
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Ginebra's third straight win clinched for the team a berth in the next round and complete the eight-team quarterfinals cast, ousting newcomer Titan Ultra from the playoff picture ahead of its game against the Kings to round out the elims.
The Kings improved to a 6-4 record and remained in the running for a Top 4 and twice-to-beat edge in the playoffs.
RJ Abarrientos had a game-high 25 points including 12 in the final quarter as he willed the Kings back from a 65-77 deficit at the end of the third quarter.
Thompson added 16, half of them in the final quarter including the go-ahead three that put Ginebra in front for good, 101-100.
Rain or Shine had a chance of regaining the lead, but Adrian Nocum's drive misfired, with the Kings securing the rebound that led to a Thompson split from the foul line for the final count.
Rain or Shine fell half a game behind new solo leader San Miguel at 8-3, but is assured of a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.
The loss spoiled the team-high 14 points of sophomore Felix Pangilinan -Lemetti for Rain or Shine.
The scores
Barangay Ginebra (102) - Abarrientos 25, Thompson 16, Holt 15, Torres 9, Aguilar 8, Gray 8, Cu 6, Rosario 6, Estil 5, David 4, Pinto 0.
Rain or Shine (100) - Pangilinan-Lemetti 14, Clarito 13, Nocum 13, Mamuyac 11, Tiongson 11, Santillan 10, Norwood 9, Asistio 7, Porter 5, Caracut 3, Belga 2, Malonzo 2.
Quarterscores: 23-18:49-49; 65-77; 102-100
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