MARK Caguioa led from the front to lead a revival for Barangay Ginebra in a 113-107 win over GlobalPort on Friday night in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Astrodome in Pasay City.
The former league MVP had 15 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists and, more importantly, showed the way in a more efficient performance that allowed the Gin Kings to bounce back from back-to-back losses to San Miguel and San Mig.
The last of Caguioa's baskets - a breakaway layup after successive misses from the three-point zone by a desperate GlobalPort - sealed what was only the second win in four games for the league's most popular ballclub in the import-spiced conference.
Even under-fire import Leon Rodgers got into the act, scoring 33 points in a more consistent shooting performance. Those points included a clutch jumper and two free throws that sparked a 6-3 run that opened a 108-100 lead for Ginebra, time down to one minute.
The Batang Pier, however, were far from finished, getting as close as 106-109 on a three-pointer by rookie Terrence Romeo before two LA Tenorio free throws and Caguioa's layup sealed GlobalPort's fifth loss in as many games under coach Pido Jarencio.
The win also stretched Ginebra's win streak to nine at the Astrodome, where the team has not lost for the past three years.
"Sa second half, we reminded them to play defense, pero again, kailangan pa rin naming i-improve ang rebounding namin," said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.
The scores:
Ginebra 113 - Rodgers 33, Caguioa 15, Helterbrand 14, Tenorio 11, Aguilar 10, Baracael 9, Mamaril 7, Ellis 6, Slaughter 5, Urbiztondo 2, Reyes 1.
GlobalPort 107 - Brock 36, Cabagnot 16, Macapagal 14, Matias 10, Romeo 10, Washington 7, Nabong 4, Ponferrada 4, Chua 2, Garcia 2, Custodio 2, Salva 0, Salvador 0.
Quarterscores: 25-28, 53-52, 87-78, 113-107
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph