Kings reign over Texters in OT

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 last night.

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.

Earlier, Powerade torched Air21 with an 18-of-35 three-point shooting for a 121-92 rout.

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 rebounds and eight assists.

Meanwhile, the Energy bounced back into contention by upending the Bolts, 89-82, in the PBA’s out-of-town game in Tubod, Lanao del Norte last Saturday.

Wynne Arboleda fired 15 points, all on triples, including three in the fourth quarter that highlighted the Energy’s stirring fightback from double-digit deficit.

The last triple gave Barako Bull an 83-72 lead, 3:48 left in the contest while dousing cold water on the Bolts’ own rally that fell short with missed shots and miscues.                  

The scores:

First Game

Powerade 121 – David 32, Lassiter 22, Anthony 10, Allera 10, Jones 8, Vanlandingham 7, Casio 6, Adducul 6, Martinez 5, Lingganay 5, Cruz 4, Crisano 3, Antonio 3, Kramer 0, Calimag 0.

Air21 92 – Douthit 18, Omolon 17, Duncil 10, Isip 10, Hubalde 8, Sena 6, Jazul 5, Aquino 4, Ritualo 4, Mirza 3, Espiritu 3, Sison 2, Escobal 2.

Quarterscores: 30-22, 54-47, 87-63, 121-92

Second Game

Ginebra 94 – Hatfield 30, Vroman 24, Cortez 11, Caguioa 10, W. Wilson 6, Helterbrand 5, J. Wilson 2, Ababou 2, Villanueva 2, Raymundo 2, Labagala 0.

Talk n Text 91 – De Ocampo 23, Harvey 15, Castro 12, Fonacier 11, Dillinger 10, Alapag 10, Williams 6, Carey 3, Aguilar 1, Reyes 0.

Quarterscores: 19-23, 43-45, 69-71, 87-87, 94-91.