Gin Kings in high spirits, even series

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra played with sheer determination under tremendous pressure, posting an 86-70 rout of Rain or Shine to force a two-game deadlock in their Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference best-of-seven semifinals showdown at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Kings pummeled the Elasto Painters in the second and third quarters for the decisive victory, thus preventing the Asian Coatings franchise from pulling away in the series.

“I had heard coach Caloy Garcia say they’re the hungrier team and it turned out right in the first three games. I thought what we need is heart and desire to fight back tonight,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

“All the cards have been laid down on the table. This is now all about the will of the players,” Uichico said.

The Kings responded well to the challenge, gutting it out on both ends of the court to pump back life to their bid for a title repeat in the season-ending tournament.

Jayjay Helterbrand banged in three triples and finished with 21 points, four assists and three rebounds with Ronald Tubid adding significant numbers – 14 points and seven rebounds – although being thrown out on technical fouls with over 14 minutes left to play.

Jai Lewis came through with the usual double-double stats but his local teammates were neutralized by the tough defending Kings with no Painter finishing in double figures.

Gabe Norwood and JayR Reyes struggled for three and five points, respectively, and the Elasto Painters ended up with the lowest output in a game by any team this conference. The previous low was 71 Rain or Shine itself recorded in a loss also to Ginebra in a playoff for the second outright semifinals seat.

Uichico said the Game Four rout didn’t guarantee the same result in the next game.

“There’s no trend really in our series unlike in the other ( series) where we know who’s got the upper hand. No team can dominate the other in our side of the semis. Anybody can come out strong in a game and win it,” said Uichico.

The Kings stepped on the gas in the middle quarters in Game Four, taking a 43-33 halftime spread which they stretched to 68-43 midway through the third period.

Ginebra overpowered Rain or Shine even as import David Noel played second behind Helterbrand offensively, finishing with only 10 points.

Lewis poured in a game-high 23 points that went with 15 rebounds against four errors. – Nelson Beltran