Ginebra ends elims with win but misses out on Top 4

Sports

THE Barangay Ginebra Kings posted a fifth straight win by escaping the pesky Tiran Ultra Giant Risers, 108-105, at the close of the elimination round of the 30th PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday night, Dec. 21, at the Araneta Coliseum.

Despite the victory and ending the eliminations strong, the Kings could not celebrate fully as they still failed to make it to the Top 4 that could have given them a crucial twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinal round.

The top four seeds are the San Miguel Beermen (No. 1), Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (No. 2), TNT Tropang Giga (No. 3), Converge FiberXers (No. 4).

Ginebra settled for fifth followed by the Magnolia Hotshots, Meralco Bolts, and NLEX Road Warriors.

Ginebra and Converge actually ended the eliminations with similar 7-4 (win-loss) slates but the FiberXers took the No. 4 spot via the winner-over-the-other rule.

The quarterfinals will start on Thursday, Dec. 25, the Beermen will take on the Road Warriors in the first game while the Kings and the FiberXers clash in the main match.

On Dec. 27, the Elasto Painters will face the Bolts in the opening game while the Tropa will meet the Hotshots in the nightcap.

San Miguel, Rain or Shine, TNT, and Converge will be twice-to-beat in their respective series which means they only need once to advance to the semifinal round.

THE SCORES:

GINEBRA (108) – Holt 27, Abarrientos 24, Cu 12, Thompson 11, Rosario 10, Torres 8, Aguilar 5, David 4, Estil 4, Gray 3, Abis 0.

TITAN (105) – Munzon 31, Abueva 26, Dionisio 14, Balanza 9, Flores 8, Pessumal 4, Melecio 3, Yu 3, Sangco 3, Ular 2, Ambohot 2, Javillonar 0, Monje 0, Martinez 0.QUARTERSCORES: 19-30, 42-55, 73-75, 108-105.(CCM)