Ginebra forces a do-or-die Game 5
His team facing elimination, import Vernon Macklin came up big just when Barangay Ginebra needed him the most.
On fire right from the get-go, Macklin provided the crucial baskets down the stretch as the Gin Kings survived a physical game and eked out a thrilling 104-101 victory over Talk ‘N Text to force a do-or-die Game 5 in their PBA Commissioners Cup semifinals series in front of another big Smart-Araneta Coliseum crowd.
Overshadowed by Texters counterpart Tony Mitchell in an 80-98 defeat two days ago, Macklin immediately imposed his will and powered his way to a monstrous outing of 37 points, including 13 in the fourth capped by an off-angled bank shot that gave the Gin Kings the needed cushion.
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Providing the needed support for Macklin was one-time league MVP Jayjay Helterbrand, who poured in 14 of his 17 markers in a fiery second quarter onslaught, while playmaker LA Tenorio, Chris Ellis and veteran Kerby Raymundo contributed at least 12 points apiece.
The 6-foot-5 Mitchell, who had an auspicious debut in Game 3 with 29 points, continued to live up to the hype, finishing with a game-high 45 points but the Tropang Texters still failed to close out the hard-fighting Gin Kings.
Game 5 is set this Sunday also at the Big Dome.
The Main Man: Macklin has no intention of going down without a fight. Asserting himself just what is expected from him, the former Florida standout delivered arguably his best performance this conference, even making 15 of his 19 attempts from the line, a surprising effort for someone who’s shooting less than 50 percent from the stripe.
Aside from throwing his full weight around his Talk ‘N Text defenders, Macklin also had to deal with fatigue, hardly gaining enough rest with Ginebra fighting for dear life.
Honorable Mention: Shackled the last time out, Helterbrand took it upon himself to somehow ease the offensive load off Macklin.
Coming off the bench anew, the spitfire combo guard sparked the team’s 39-point explosion in the second period, accounting for 14 markers while helping the Gin Kings gain control of the match.
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Although he could only come up with three more points in the next two cantos, Helterbrand provided the needed stability along with Tenorio in the crunch.
Game Turning Point: With the Texters on the verged of pulling another great comeback behind the electrifying Mitchell, the Gin Kings showed it has learned their lesson this time.
Off a timeout, Macklin shattered a 99-all count with a difficult short stab that went off the glass against two TNT defenders, putting Ginebra on top with 54.4 ticks to go.
With the Gin Kings defense tightening up, Mitchell was forced by defender Rudy Hatfield to miss a contested attempt, leading to a rebound by Macklin and two free throws by Tenorio for a four-point lead with 14.3 to go.
In the ensuing play, Mitchell beat Hatfield off the dribble but flubbed an easy runner in the lane. The Texters kept possession, and Ryan Reyes trimmed the deficit to just two after scoring a put-back, time down to just 2.9 seconds.
Raymundo then sealed the final tally by splitting his charities.
Quotable Quotes:
“It’s very physical out there. I’m glad we came out and got this win,” stated Macklin.
“They didn’t quit. We're gonna play hard but we're not gonna hurt. We're up by 10 and nasaktan kami sa three minutes sa pagkaupo ni vernon. Mitchell is a very good import. We can't stop him and we can't contain him. This win is for my players. Wala na akong masabi sa kanila with our backs against the wall. No dirty tricks from us and we just want to contain him (Mitchell),” said Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua.
GINEBRA (104) - Macklin 37, Helterbrand 17, Tenorio 16, Ellis 13, Raymundo 12, Baracael 7, Hatfield 2, Espiritu 0, Urbiztondo 0.
TALK ‘N TEXT (101) - Mitchell 45, De Ocampo 12, Castro 7, Carey 7, Al-Hussaini 6, Reyes 6, Raymundo 4, Fonacier 4, Ferriols 4, Peek 4, Alvarez 2, Aban 0.
Quarterscores: 26-29, 65-55, 81-81, 104-101
SLIDESHOW OF THE GAME:
