MANILA, Philippines – Ginebra finally snatches game 3, avoiding (0-3) hole against Star Hotshots of their semifinal match 73-62 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, February 13, 2017.
Ginebra lead with Sol Mercado, who finished with 16 points, including 2 triples in the 4th quarter, Japeth Aguilar, who are in foul trouble with 4 fouls finished in double-double with 15pts and 13 rebounds along with 4 blocks.
Sol Mercado finished with 16 points: Photo credit: PBA images and maybe copyrighted
Ginebra went up early with the biggest lead of the game with 13pts in the opening period. But the insertion of Joe Devance in the 4 minute frame in the opening period provided some offense and stops.
Joe Devance finished with 6pts, also behind the spark of Ginebra in the opening period with 4pts.
Barangay Ginebra controlled the entire first half, but only hold with 33-29 going into the break.
Star Hotshots only taste their first lead of the game with 6 minutes in the third quarter behind triple of Melton followed by Barroca 43-42. Hotshots got the biggest lead in the next position after Pingris converted a basket to hold 45-42. They got tied again with 46 and 48 a piece, but Jio Jalalon triple in dying seconds put Star with 51-50 going into the final quarter.
Barangay Ginebra who had no triple in the opening 3 quarters started to drop in the opening period by Scottie Thompson. After getting even with 53 and 55 a piece, Star Hotshots still with 60-59 lead in the last 5:58 minutes after Barroca’s jumper. Until Caguioa started the run, followed by 2 triples of Mercado and 1 from Aguilar to stretch the lead 70-60 in the final 2:57 minutes. Ginebra went 14-2 run to end the game in the final 5 minute frame.
Paul Lee who average 17.5pts in the 2 consecutive wins of Star only finished with 7pts. Pingris also finished with double-double 12 points and 18 rebounds.
Game Summary
Total Lead Changes: 6
Total Deadlock: 5
Biggest Lead: 3pts (Star Hotshots)
Biggest Lead: 13pts (Ginebra)
Score
Ginebra (73): Mercado 16, Aguilar 15, Caguioa 8, Tenorio 7, Thompson 7, Ferrer 6, Devance 6, Cruz 3, Marcelo 3, Ellis 2, Mariano 0, Helterbrand 0, Mariano 0.
Star (62): Pingris 12, Melton 8, Jalalon 7, Lee 7, Barroca 6, Sangalang 6, Simon 5, Maliksi 4, Reavis 3, Abundo 2, Dela Rosa 2, Brondial 0, Ramos 0.
Quarter Scoring
First Quarter: Ginebra San Miguel (21-10)
Second Quarter: (12-19)
Third Quarter: (17-22)
Fourth Quarter: (23-11) Star Hotshots
Total: 73-62
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