Gin Kings escape Ultra Risers

MANILA, Philippines -- Barangay Ginebra did just enough to avert disaster against the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 108-105, in their PBA Philippine Cup matchup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Ginebra led by eight points, 102-94, in the final minute, but Titan clawed out of the hole with a barrage of 4-pointers.

However, the Giant Risers could not overtake their opponents for the win.

Stephen Holt carried the offensive load with 27 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Gin Kings. RJ Abarrientos followed suit with 24 markers, six dimes and three boards in the victory.

Titan held a five-point lead, 78-73, early on in the fourth quarter, but a 19-4 run capped by a triple by Ralph Cu gave the Gin Kings a 10 point advantage, 92-82, with less than five minutes remaining.

But the Giant Risers countered with a 12-5 run of their own, inching closer to just three, 94-97, with 3:07 to go.

Holt, then, had five straight points, including a pair of free throws with 39.6 seconds left to grab a 102-94 lead.

But Joshua Munzon hit three free throws, followed by a 4-pointer, to make it a one point game, 101-102, with 26.4 ticks remaining.

Free throws by Holt and Abarrientos seemingly put the game out of reach, 106-101, with 9.1 to go, before Calvin Abueva pulled up from the 4-point line and hit nothing but net, 105-106, with 4.2 left.

Abarrientos iced the game with a final pair of freebies as Munzon’s heave from way beyond missed.

Cu produced 12 markers for Ginebra, while Scottie Thompsoin and Troy Rosario had 11 and 10, respectively.

Munzon had an all-around game with 31 points, eight assists, six steals and four rebounds for Titan, while Abueva had 26 markers, 11 boards, five dimes and four steals.

The Gin Kings thus finished the elimination round at fifth place with a 7-4 slate, while Titan had a 4-7 record.

The quarterfinal round will kick off on Christmas Day at the Big Dome, with NLEX taking on San Miguel at 5:15 p.m., and Converge facing Ginebra at 7:30 p.m.