Porter lifts Kings past Pals, 97-92

Crowd darling Barangay Ginebra Kings snapped a three-game losing skid last night behind the heroics of new import Chris Porter, who led his team to a 97-92 win over the Talk 'N Txt Phone Pals in the San Mig Coffee Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Porter, checking in for former Ginebra import Sean Lampley, who was placed in the injury list, amassed 31 points and collared 24 caroms with four feeds as he helped the Kings improve their win-loss record to 8-7 and tie their victims.

Another win by the Kings in their next assignment will give them a chance to fight for the last semi-finals slot via a playoff.

On the contrary, the Phone Pals are in danger of dropping to sixth place should they suffer another defeat. It was actually an all-important game for the Phone Pals last night because had they won, the only need to win in their next game and grab the number one position at the expense of idle Purefoods Chunkee Giants.

Porter did not only show his scoring and rebounding prowess, but made a statement that he could be the right guy for Ginebra if they wish to have a wonderful Christmas party. He also showed excellent defense forcing Talk 'N Txt import Damien Cantrell and Asi Taulava into foul trouble as he stood his ground drawing offensive fouls from his opponents. Cantrell already had five fouls with a shade below the five-minute mark to go in the fourth period while Taulava and Mark Telan were playing with four fouls each at that juncture.

Porter was supported by Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark 'The Spark" Caguioa, who both finished in double figures.

For being in foul trouble, Taulava's scoring was greatly affected as he finished with only six points and failed to support Cantrell, who topscored with 21 points.

Both the Kings and the Phone Pals fought tit-for-tat in the entire third period, but the former gained a six-point lead in the later part of the third period with Porter, Helterbrand and Caguioa starring in the show.

The Phone Pals tried to make a daring comeback, but Leo Avenido missed a three-point play opportunity and brought his team to within two, 90-92 in the final 19.3 seconds. Porter later scored insurance free throws to make it 94-90 down to 15.5 seconds remaining.