Ginebra dominates Kia for 2nd lopsided win

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel made short work of the Kia Sorento for another lopsided victory, 87-55, on Saturday, October 25 at the Quezon Province Convention Center in Lucena City.

Ginebra took the game away from Kia as early as halftime when the most popular ball club in the country went on a 23-2 run in the second quarter after Kia took the lead, 20-19. The team ended the half with 43-22 lead.

Rudy Lingganay scored on consecutive runners as Ginebra committed one turnover after the other to help Kia take the lead after trailing the entire first quarter. But that was the last time the Sorentos would see the Kings in striking distance.

Ginebra regrouped and used a 3/4 court pressure and 2-3 shifting zone defense to lock down the Sorentos.

Ginebra’s twin towers of Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar then went to work punishing Kia’s interior defense. Slaughter would get the down low on several occasions only to get fouled but the bigman was able to knock down the free throws.

Aguilar punctuated Ginebra’s 2nd quarter onslaught with a beautiful layup on the break off a pass from LA Tenorio.

Slaughter and Aguilar finished with a combined 32 points, 23 rebounds on 18/21 free throw shooting.

Aguilar opened the third quarter with a thundering tomahawk slam after he found himself open in the shaded area thanks to the great ball movement Ginebra showed all game long.

Kia’s struggles piled on from there as Ginebra maintained their effort on the defensive end challenging every Sorento shot attempt, forcing turnovers, and running the break every chance they get.

Mark Caguioa even had the chance to showcase his vintage crossover moves late in the third period weaving through the defense for an easy basket.

Ginebra will put their unblemished record on the line in the second game on Wednesday, October 29 when they face off against the NLEX Road Warriors while Kia will battle the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the first game of the same play date. 

Full PBA Philippine Cup schedules here. – Rappler.com