Storey inspires Kings' win

MANILA, Philippines - Awvee Storey came through with a huge double-double game last night and Barangay Ginebra pulled off a stunning 100-98 come-from-behind win over Rain or Shine for a share of lead in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.

Storey poured in 40 points and grabbed 25 rebounds in powering the Kings to the pulsating victory over the Elasto Painters in a road game at the Victorias City Sports and Amusement Center in Victorias, Negros Occidental.

Rain or Shine had a chance to salvage the game or force overtime but the Elasto Painters failed to execute a play while having possession of the ball in the last 13.3 seconds.

“We’re really just lucky tonight. We were down by eight at the half and by 15 at the end of the third quarter. We played better defense in the end and luckily we won,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

Mark Caguioa had clutch shots helping the Kings win the contest serving as the second leg of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour.

Ginebra tied San Miguel Beer and Coca-Cola for the lead on identical 3-1 cards while Rain or Shine slid to joint fourth with Talk n Text at 2-2.

Meanwhile, the league continues its 35th anniversary weeklong celebration by making a first-ever visit at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium today.

The weekend presentation at the PSC-run stadium inside the sprawling Rizal Memorial Sports Center features reigning Fiesta Conference champion San Miguel Beer versus Alaska Milk and Talk n Text against Sta. Lucia Realty.

The league will raffle off one 21-inch JVC flat TV courtesy of Anson’s Appliance Center, one short-term scholarship plan from Informatics and Molten basketballs. TV personality Say Alonzo will be a special guest performer.

The Kings struggled in the first three quarters, trailing by as many as 16 before waging a hot chase.

Jayjay Helterbrand nailed back-to-back baskets as Ginebra finally surged ahead at 93-90 with 2:36 left to play.

Eddie Laure converted a three-pointer as Rain or Shine pulled even but Storey and Caguioa answered with crucial shots giving Ginebra a four-point cushion at 100-96.

After Ryan Arana canned in a short jumper to make it 98-100, the Elasto Painters got a chance to win or to tie as the Kings committed a shot-clock violation with 13.3 ticks to go.

Alas, the Elasto Painters themselves failed to execute a play with the buzzer sounding and the ball still on Jai Lewis’ hands.

The scores:

Ginebra 100 – Storey 40, Caguioa 14, Villanueva 13, Helterbrand 8, Menk 7, Cruz 6, Mamaril 6, Baguio 2, Hatfield 2, Tubid 2, De Ocampo 0, Salvacion 0.

Rain or Shine 98 – Mercado 24, Lewis 18, Arana 16, Norwood 15, Reyes 9, Laure 7, Chan 4, Tang 3, Cruz 2, Telan 0.

Quarterscores: 25-29, 50-58, 70-85, 100-98