Ginebra books return trip to Fiesta Cup finals

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra finished off Rain or Shine with a 108-100 win in Game 6 Sunday night to earn a return trip to the finals of the PBA Fiesta Cup.

The defending champions held the Elasto Painters’ import Jai Lewis to just six points in his lowest output in the semis as the Kings clinched the best-of-seven series, 4-2.

“We really had a hard time against them (Elasto Painters)," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico, who will be seeking to nail down his ninth PBA title and the third with the Gin Kings. “They really pushed us to the limit, forcing us to play above our normal game."

Ginebra will try to defend its crown it won against then Air21 last season. The Gin Kings triumphed in that series 4-3.

They await the winner of the other semifinal duel between San Miguel and Burger King, where the Beermen enjoy a 3-2 lead.

Ronald Tubid and import David Noel each had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Jay-Jay Helterbrand and Paul Artadi chipped in 17 points apiece in a balanced offensive where only one Ginebra player – Willy Wilson – failed to score.

TY Tang scored a career-high 24 points and virtual Rookie of the Year Gabe Norwood added 22 for the Elasto Painters, who fought as hard as they could even with Lewis struggling big time from the floor.

Lewis was held down to merely 2-for-6 shooting and pulled down 12 rebounds. He had very limited touches and was often triple-teamed when he got hold of the leather. He made his first field goal with 4:46 left in the fourth period when Ginebra was ahead comfortably, 98-85.

“Our defense on Lewis was the key," said Uichico. “It was a team effort.

"Still, Rain or Shine didn’t go out without a fight. It managed to threaten Ginebra at 83-79 with 11:11 to go in the fourth quarter, before the Gin Kings detonated a 15-6 bomb where Noel, Cyrus Baguio and Sunday Salvacion each had a triple.

That run carried Ginebra to a comfortable 98-85 lead, and the Elasto Painters could get no closer than 102-97 on a triple from Tang with 57 seconds remaining. - GMANews.TV

The Scores:

Ginebra 108 - Noel 23, Tubid 23, Artadi 17, Helterbrand 17, Reavis 8, Salvacion 6, Mamaril 5, Baguio 5, Lanete 3, Intal 1, Wilson 0.

Rain or Shine 100 - Tang 24, Norwood 22, Arana 15, Ibanes 11, Reyes 11, Lewis 6, Isip 6, Laure 5, Dulay 0, Wainwright 0.

Quarter scores: 31-21, 60-53, 81-76, 108-100

SOURCE: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/166134/Ginebra-books-return-trip-to-Fiesta-Cup-finals