Depleted Kings pull through with win over Express

MANILA, Philippines – Vernon Macklin upstaged Michael Dunigan and Ginebra reserves Elmer Espiritu and Rob Labagala helped with crucial numbers in the final period as the Kings roared on despite an injury-crippled line-up, topping the Air21 Express, 90-84, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Macklin delivered 32 points and 11 rebounds as against Dunigan’s 16 markers and eight rebounds, and Espiritu and Labagala combined for 10 big points in the payoff quarter as the Kings closed in on the tournament leaders with a fifth straight victory and sixth in 11 games overall.

The Kings bucked the absence of top gun Mark Caguioa, ace frontliner Kerby Raymundo and vital reserve Rico Maierhofer, avenging a 70-74 loss against the Express in their previous tiff last Feb. 10.

“Before the game, I told the guys ‘take a look at your left and at your right. These are the only guys you’re playing with in this game. Forget about the guys who aren’t here,” said Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua.

The Kings responded to their coach’s challenge, working extra hard and helping one another to move closer to a playoff berth.

LA Tenorio put in solid all-around numbers of 18 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and one steal while Chris Ellis added 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.

“Kerby has a hamstring injury but still attended our practice yesterday (Tuesday). Then he fell ill with a fever. The guys didn’t know that Kerby’s not going to play,” said Chua. “The guys, however, just came out to battle. Again, it’s about heart.”

The Kings worked on a resolute defense, particularly on Dunigan whom they held way below his norms. Before the game, Dunigan averaged 26.6 points and 16.2 rebounds.

Early ouster on fouls by Dunigan and an injury sustained by Mark Isip didn’t help the Express who went down with a second straight loss and seventh overall against five wins.

Dunigan picked up three fouls in the second quarter, two in the third and his sixth and last with 4:15 left to play.

Still, the Express stayed in the battle, yielding the game only in the closing seconds on a crucial error by Bonbon Custodio.

As Custodio threw the ball away with the Express down by just two at 84-86, the Kings took advantage of the big break with Macklin tipping in a missed jumper by Billy Mamaril to settle the outcome of the game at 88-84 with 12 ticks left.

The Kings led by nine, 70-61, after the third quarter, but the Express made a key run to start the fourth, surging ahead at 79-76.

Ginebra regained control at 84-79 with former UE teammates Labagala and Espiritu draining key baskets.

Espiritu rifled in two triples and finished with 10 points and six rebounds – his biggest in a Ginebra jersey. Labagala chipped in two clutch baskets in the fourth.