Gin Kings survive Express

MANILA, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra survived Mark Caguioa’s early ouster on flagrant infraction as the Kings pounced on the Air21 Express’ second-half meltdown to pull off a 101-100 thriller in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Express went without a field goal for over 10 minutes in the final half and Ronnie Matias missed a potential game-winning jumper in the closing seconds, enabling the Kings to steal the game.

“It’s a lost game. We just stole it away from Air21,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

“We’re struggling at this point and we have to move. Hopefully, we get the right things soon. While we find ways, every win we get is very important,” Uichico said.

Mildon Ambres, Eric Menk and Ronald Tubid took charge as the Express faltered in the final half, helping the Kings snap a two-game losing skein.

Ginebra moved up to third with a 4-3 win-loss card while Air21 slid to 1-7.

Air21 coach Yeng Guiao, however, said poor officiating denied the chance to check a five-game slump.

“It was a winnable game for us. Our import played well, our locals played a decent game and we’ve got a big lead. The refs, however, stole the game away from us,” said Guiao.

“It’s a one-point game when they nullified one crucial basket for us. I also wondered why no foul was called when Willie Miller had a clear touch foul on Reggie Larry. Those happened at endgame. It’s no big deal if those happened in the early part of the game. It’s just poor officiating,” Guiao added.

Ginebra officials also cried foul as early as halftime when Caguioa was thrown out on a flagrant infraction with 5:01 left in the second quarter.

Caguioa was ejected for throwing the ball at referee Throngy Aldava. Ginebra officials felt it was not done intentionally.

B-MEG Derby Ace kept pace with Barangay Ginebra as the Llamados, behind a methodical defense, topped the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 75-67, in the second game.

James Yap poured in a game-high 20 points and became only the third Purefoods player to hit the 5,000-point plateau after Alvin Patrimonio and Jerry Codiñsera.