Prince powers Gin Kings to 2-0 start in PBA bubble

Prince Caperal delivered for Barangay Ginebra as they trounced the Blackwater Elite, 103-99, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Thursday, October 15.

Caperal waxed hot from deep and finished with 24 points on 5-of-7 shooting from downtown as the Gin Kings stay unbeaten inside the bubble.

“He’s always been a good three-point shooter. He’s pretty much a lights-out from the three at this point,” said Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone. 

“With Greg (Slaughter) not in here, he’s getting the opportunity to show what he can do,” added Cone.

The Gin Kings entered the second half up by double digits, 49-37, but the Elite fought their way back to snatch the lead, 76-75, heading into the final frame.

Caperal continued to display his dominance as he scored 7 of his 24 points in the opening minutes of the 4th period. 

The Elite managed to crawl back late in the game as Roi Sumang hit a tough three-pointer with 8 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to just 3, but Jared Dillinger shrugged off any hopes of a Blackwater comeback as he iced the game for the Gin Kings with a free throw. 

The Blackwater Elite moved to 1-1 and joined the San Miguel Beermen, Meralco Bolts and Magnolia Hotshots at the middle of the standings.

Stanley Pringle added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, while Scottie Thompson had 14 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the Gin Kings in the victory.

Don Trollano led the way for the Elite with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Mac Belo and Sumang contributed 16 and 14 points, respectively.  

The Scores:

Ginebra 103 – Caperal 24, Pringle 17, Thompson 14, Chan 12, Aguilar 11, Dillinger 9, Mariano 8, Tolentino 5, Devance 3, Tenorio 0.

Blackwater 99 – Trollano 23, Belo 16, Sumang 14, Daquioag 11, Tolomia 7, Desiderio 7, Golla 6, Magat 5, Canaleta 5, Dennison 5, Escoto 0, Salem 0.

Quarters: 26-19, 49-37, 75-76, 103-99.

– Martin Mendoza/Rappler.com