Kings check slump, send Road Warriors to the brink

Ginebra used a change in scenery to get out of a slump last night, beating NLEX in a dull match, 93-85, and keeping its slim hopes alive in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Gin Kings flew to Legazpi in Albay, home to the world-famous Mayon Volcano, to get back on track with only its second win in seven outings.

The crowd favorites had lost three games in a row, including a painful overtime defeat to San Miguel Beer, and just couldn’t afford another one.

Ginebra has four games to play in the eliminations, each one as important as the other, as it hopes to book a ticket to the quarterfinals.

The NLEX Road Warriors continued to suffer without suspended spitfire Kiefer Ravena. With a 2-6 record, they are now in danger of outright elimination.

Only eight of the 12 teams will advance to the quarterfinals.

Kevin Ferrer and Joe Devance hit two three-pointers each and import Justin Brownlee had a one-handed dunk as Ginebra started to pull away in the second half.

From a tight game, the Gin Kings built their lead to 12 points, and then to 19 at 85-66 with eight minutes and 18.8 seconds left in the game.

The Road Warriors lost the sting after trailing behind, and finished the game with import Arnett Moultrie sitting on the bench.