Ginebra comes back in Manila Clasico series, ties things up at 2-2

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Former UAAP MVP Jervy Cruz started and came up with 21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel defeated the Star Hotshots, 93-86, in Game 4 of the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday, February 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings have now recovered from a 0-2 deficit to tie things up at two games apiece in the best-of-7 Manila Clasico series.

“All we did is to tie the series and made it a best-of-3. I thought our guys had great resolve today. Everybody said they beat us twice in a row, we said we can beat them twice in a row,” said head coach Tim Cone.

“They were true to thei word, they did it. Great resolve. It was another one of those defensive battles. It was dictated by the defenses of both teams. We came out on top.”

Japeth Aguilar came through for Ginebra in the fourth, finishing with 18 points and 9 boards as the team moved the ball well enough for a 20-9 advantage in assists over Star.

Chris Ellis added 10 points to round out the double-digit scoring for Ginebra, which made only 3 triples but shot way more free throws than Star, going 24-of-33. The Hotshots were only 9-of-10 from the stripe.

Allein Maliksi had 18 points to lead the Hotshots while Jio Jalalon came off the bench for 16 points and 5 boards. Rafi Reavis shot 5-of-7 from the field for a double-double 13 markers and 11 rebounds.

Game 5 will happen on Friday, February 17. 

Scores:

Ginebra (93): Cruz 21, Aguilar 18, Ellis 10, Ferrer 9, Mercado 9, Tenorio 8, Marcelo 5, Caguioa 5, Thompson 4, Devance 4.

Star (86): Maliksi 18, Jalalon 16, Reavis 13, Lee 9, Pingris 9, Melton 7, Barroca 4, Ramos 4, Sangalang 4, Dela Rosa 2, Simon 0.

Quarter scores: 21-23, 48-41, 65-62, 93-86.

– Rappler.com