MANILA, Philippines – Rudy Hatfield energized Barangay Ginebra with a huge double-double game as the Kings beat out the Talk n Text Tropang Texters, 94-91, in a slam-bang overtime game to enhance their bid for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonigh
Hatfield put in a career-best 30 points and also logged 14 rebounds as the Kings overcame 16 missed free throws to check a two-game skid.
The Kings and the Tigers improved their win-loss cards to 4-3, now just a game behind the Tropang Texters and the B-Meg Llamados at 5-2.
“It’s so good we won because the competition is so tough. Everybody’s capable of beating anybody at this time,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.
Hatfield went 14-of-21 from the field to surpass his previous career best of 29 done in his rookie year with Tanduay in 2000.
The 6-foot-3 forward muffed a chance to win the game in regulation on a missed jumper from the right flank in the closing seconds. He himself secured the win though on two crucial offensive rebounds in OT.
“That’s what he brings – his energy. And that’s key for us,” said Tanquingcen on the sterling effort put up by Hatfield.
Jackson Vroman missed 11 of 12 free throws but helped Ginebra with a near triple-double job with 24 points, 19 rebunds and eight assists.