Jay R. Gotera Saudi Gazette MANILA — Finally, the long dry spell extending for over a month is over for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings. After losing five straight games, the Kings savored the sweet taste of victory when they came from behind to nip the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 81-79, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome Friday. Mark Caguioa led the way for the Kings with 19 points, four assists, and three steals. LA Tenorio added 14, while new acquisition Elmer Espiritu chipped in with 12 as Ginebra improved to a 3-5 win-loss record, tying Petron Blaze and Air21 Express at sixth to eighth place in the standings. The Batang Pier suffered their eighth loss in nine games as they remained glued in the cellar. For most parts of the game though, it looked like GlobalPort would be the one to break its losing streak as the Batang Pier kept the Kings at bay with their torrid shooting. With their Number One offensive weapon Gary David back in harness, the Batang Pier led 56-52 at the end of the third quarter. Further boosting GlobalPort's hopes, David exploded for 27 points, 21 of them in the fourth quarter alone. But Tenorio and Caguioa likewise caught fire as they engaged the GlobalPort spitfire in a scorching duel down the wire. With Ginebra ahead by just a basket, 81-79, with 7.7 seconds left, GlobalPort had a chance to extend or win the game outright, but Willie Miller stepped on the end line on his drive to the basket to give the ball, and the game, to the Kings. Miller finished with 18 points. In the first match of the double-header, Mike Cortez scored the last five points of the game, including a step-back jumper with 58.1 seconds remaining, to hand the Air21 Express a rousing 86-85 victory against the Barako Bull Energy Cola. Cortez finished with 24 points, six rebounds, six assists and five steals in an explosive debut for Air21 which acquired him from Ginebra just two days ago after trading center Yousef Taha to the Kings. Reunited with his collegiate coach Franz Pumaren, Cortez did not disappoint as he led the Express to only their third win in eight games. Pumaren was happy to be back with his mentor. “It's been 10 years since the last time we were together in one team. The past is past, but I'm blessed that I'm back with him,” he said. Pumaren was likewise elated to have his former top collegiate gunner nicknamed the “Cool Cat” back in his team. “I still believe he can prove himself to be one of the best point guards in the PBA. I have faith in him. The only thing he can prove that is by giving him the opportunity and he will get his opportunity with us,” Pumaren said. Ronald Tubid led Barako Bull with 24 points but all for naught as the Energy Cola suffered their sixth loss in nine games to stay second to the last in the standings.
