Ginebra sent packing as Aces rally to advance

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s 2014-2015 PBA season came to an end similar to how they opened the Governors’ Cup: a loss at the hands of the Alaska Aces. 

Thanks to a 114-108 victory on Friday, June 26, Alaska advanced to the conference semifinals and in the process sent Ginebra to another early elimination. 

Alaska, who trailed by 16 at one point in the third period, 65-49, used a 32-22 third period to take control of the contest and enter the final 12 minutes of play ahead by two.

“It’s always tough to play Ginebra because they are the home team all the time,” Aces head coach Alex Compton said after the match.

The tide of the game turned to his team’s favor when technical fouls were handed to Ginebra import Orlando Johnson, LA Tenorio, Frankie Lim, and Calvin Abueva – all for second motion. 

Ginebra, which was ahead 72-61 at the time the technicals were assessed, lost their lead over the next two minutes thanks to jumpers from Dondon Hontiveros and JVee Casio.

The Gin Kings looked done when they trailed the Aces 106-95 with 1:03 left in the game, but 8 straight points by Johnson had them within striking distance at 108-103 with less than 30 seconds remaining. 

Unfortunately for Lim’s squad, Casio made 4 straight charities in the next 15 seconds while Johnson missed a 3-ball in between, sealing the win for Alaska.

The Aces will face the winner of the series between GlobalPort and Star in the semifinals. 

Romeo Travis led the winning side with 29 points and 21 boards. Manuel and Sonny Thoss pitched in 14 markers each, while Hontiveros registered 13 points. 

Ginebra, who failed to make the semis for a fifth straight conference, was spearheaded by the 28 points and 10 boards of Johnson. Sol Mercado had his best game of the conference, dropping 21 markers and 7 dimes.

With their elimination, Ginebra is now in their longest championship drought, per PBA statistician Fidel Mangonon. Their last title was won in the 2008 Fiesta Conference.

Scores

ALASKA 114 – Travis 29, Manuel 14, Thoss 14, Hontiveros 13, Baguio 10, Banchero 9, Abueva 8, Casio 7, Dela Rosa 5, Jazul 3, Exciminiano 2, Baclao 0, Menk 0.

GINEBRA 108 – Johnson 28, Mercado 21, Slaughter 19, Aguilar 15, Tenorio 14, Kim 5, Baracael 4, Marcelo 2, Pena 0, Monfort 0, Brondial 0.

Quarter Scoring: 27-31, 45-53, 75-77, 114-108

– Rappler.com