MANILA, Philippines – Ginebra completes Manila Classico series and return to PBA finals after defeating long rival Star Hotshots (89-76) on February 21, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After 10 long drought years in PBA Philippine Cup now Ginebra’s return in the PBA finals again after battling against rival Star Hotshots. Ginebra last won the title for PBA Philippine Cup on 2006-2007 season in a game 6 series against San Miguel Beermen.
Barangay Ginebra will now try to dethrone the two time consecutive PBA Philippine Cup champion for the last 2 season, which is reigned by the San Miguel Beermen.
Just like the other series Beermen leaned on their starters last night, Ginebra also leaned on their starters with 80pts coming from total of 89pts.
Photo credit: ***PBA images***
Sol Mercado and LA Tenorio led Ginebra with 23pts and 21pts respectively, they also both added with 5 assists and 4 rebounds each. Japeth Aguilar also added with 19pts while Scottie Thompson is just shy for 1 rebound to make a double-double with 10pts.
Ginebra started strong from the opening period with 6-0 including a thunderous dunk by Aguilar and stretch the lead to 13pts and came up with 26-16 in the opening 12 minutes.
After 9pts lead at the half, Star Hotshots came out strong in the third period to trim the deficit to 65-61 behind Maliksi explosion with 12pts alone in the quarter.
Star Hotshots continued to trim the lead and had the chance to tie with a triple, early in the final period when Star Hotshots only behind by 68-65, after Jalalon turnover Ginebra pushed the tempo on their side and stretch the lead to double digit that went 67-80.
Allein Maliksi led the Star Hotshots with 22pts off the bench who explodes 12pts in the third quarter. Pingris also finished with 17pts, 8 rebounds and 6 assists while Paul Lee only added 4pts.
Game 1 of the finals will be on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena between San Miguel Beermen and Ginebra.
Game Summary
Total Lead Changes: 0
Total Deadlock: 0
Biggest Lead: 15pts (Ginebra)
Quarter Scoring
First Quarter: Ginebra San Miguel (26-16)
Second Quarter: (19-20)
Third Quarter: (20-25)
Fourth Quarter: (24-15) Star Hotshots
Total: 89-76
Scores
Ginebra (89) – Mercado 23, Tenorio 21, Aguilar 19, Thompson 10, Devance 7, Cruz 6, Ferrer 2, Marcelo 1, Caguioa 0, Ellis 0.
Star (76) – Maliksi 22, Pingris 17, Ramos 14, Barroca 8, Reavis 5, Lee 4, Jalalon 4, Melton 2, Simon 0, Sangalang 0, Dela Rosa 0.
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