Ginebra dodges ROS scare in Dubai

DUBAI – Barangay Ginebra scored only a lone field goal in the last five minutes of play, scrambling to beat Rain or Shine, 89-88, in the closing game of the PBA Dubai series at the Al- Shabab Sports Club here Friday (early yesterday morning in Manila).

Chris Alexander struggled for only 14 points before fouling out with 2:17 left to play, and the Kings had to bank on the exploits of Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Kerby Raymundo to overcome Duke Crews’ solid doubledouble game and Rain or Shine’s gritty stand.

Crews came through with 28 points and 20 rebounds but had a big lapse in the closing seconds, failing to call a timeout that could’ve allowed them to map up a decent shot at stealing the game.

Getting the possession with five seconds left, the Elasto Painters instead went for a transition play that Gabe Norwood bungled, thus, the Kings escaped with the nail-biting win.

At the conclusion of the Dubai series, Ginebra caught up with Alaska Milk and B-meg at fourth place at 2-1 (win-loss) while Rain or Shine fell back to the bottom with Barako Bull at 1-3.

Action in the midseason Commissioner’s Cup resumes today, with Philippine Cup finalists Talk 'N Text and Powerade taking on Meralco and Alaska, respectively.

“It’s an ugly win but I will take it any day. At least, we take the long 10-hour trip back home happy,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

The Kings barely escaped as they were held to a single basket after building a 13-point spread at 87-74 with time down to 4:57.

“We didn’t get the shots that we wanted. What we got were forced shots. Rain or Shine, on the other side, executed better at the finish,” Tanquingcen said.

The Elasto Painters fought back into contention riding on the efforts of Crews, Jeff Chan and Paul Lee.

They had their chance to grab the game but threw it away as they didn’t use an available timeout with five seconds left to play.

In a previous break, the Elasto Painters were given a clear instruction to play good defense then sue for time once they get possession.

The Kings were ahead by just one then with 28.3 seconds to go.the Elasto Painters were able to make the needed defensive stop with Crews snaring the rebound after a miss by Mike Cortez from the right flank.

Alas, Crews didn’t call timeout and instead issued an outlet pass to Gabe Norwood, sending the FilAm guard to a transition play that he failed to make to the delight of the predominantly pro-ginebra crowd in the packed playing venue.

Caguioa topscored for Ginebra with 19 points, including a crucial fivepoint binge giving the Kings their 13-point margin entering the home stretch.

The Elasto Painters, however, refused to give up, going to Crews, Chan and Lee as they rallied to within two at 87-89 with 43.4 ticks left.

A dribbling error by Raymundo in the next play opened the opportunity for Rain or Shine to tie.

The Elasto Painters, however, failed to capitalize with Crews splitting two free throws in the last 28.3 seconds and later having his big lapse after a rebound.

Helterbrand fired four three-pointers, including a buzzer-beater giving Ginebra a 42-40 edge at the half. The 2009 MVP winner finished with 18 points.—