CHITO Victolero knew Barangay Ginebra won’t go down without a fight. So when Tim Cone called an early timeout in their PBA Philippine Cup game and Magnolia up by 10, his reminder was loud and clear.
“I talked to them that they (Kings) will have that run. And then sabi ko lang we need to weather the storm,” he recalled about what transpired during that Magnolia huddle.
The Ginebra comeback did come. And Magnolia failed to weather the storm.
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So by the time the smoke of battle cleared, the Kings emerged triumphant, 85-81, before a raucous crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After that crucial timeout, Ginebra went on a fiery 12-2 run to finally catch up with Magnolia, 73-73, midway through the final quarter, setting up a fierce battle going home.
“We expect naman that it will be a close game down the stretch,” said Victolero.
The Hotshots led for the last time at 77-76 on a layup by sophomore big Zavier Lucero, before the Kings countered with a 9-2 run highlighted by a huge three from Jamie Malonzo for an 85-79 Ginebra edge with 1:22 to go.
Ginebra’s execution under pressure, coupled with Magnolia's turnovers down the stretch doomed the Hotshots, according to Victolero.
“They (Kings) executed well in the last three minutes of the game. And we made some bad decisions nung bandang huli,” said the Magnolia coach.
Both teams committed 14 turnovers each, but Ginebra outsored Magnolia on points off turnovers, 19-14.
The loss was only the second for Magnolia, which fell to a 7-2 record for tie on top with NLEX.
At 6-3, Ginebra climbed into solo fourth place as it bounced back from an 82-73 loss to Meralco two days ago.
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