Kings rally to thwart Painters

MANILA, Philippines - Enrico Villanueva scored on a tip-in in the closing seconds and comebacking Johnny Abarrientos came through with a crucial steal as Barangay Ginebra rallied from behind to nip Rain or Shine, 101-97, last night in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Tacloban Convention Center in Tacloban City.

Eric Menk and Ronald Tubid paced the Kings with 21 and 17 points, respectively, but it was the duo of Villanueva and Abarrientos, back after nearly two years of absence, which came through with the big plays down the stretch.

Villanueva tipped in a missed layup by Cyrus Baguio to shatter a 97-all count then Abarrientos deflected TY Tang’s attempt on the other end as the Kings came out the winner in a wild finish to the delight of the capacityt crowd.

Abarrientos capped his endgame heroics with a pair of free throws, giving the Kings a share of third spot with the Purefoods Giants and the Talk n Text Tropang Texters with 8-4 slates.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer and Purefoods clash today as action resumes at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Beermen try to bounce back from their overtime loss to the pacesetting Alaska Aces as they square off with the Giants at 6:30 p.m.

Burger King and Coca-Cola tangle in the 4 p.m. opener.

Tang and Fil-Am Gabe Norwood combined in a big fourth quarter run as Rain or Shine built a 90-78 lead.

But a basket by Cyrus Baguio and a triple by Sunday Salvacion sparked the vaunted Ginebra comeback, 83-90, heading into the last five minutes of the contest that ended up tied in the first two quarters.

Baguio then teamed up with Villanueva and Abarrientos in the closing minutes as the Kings pounced on the Elasto Painters falterieng finish to steal the victory.       – Joey Villar