Ginebra repulses Talk N’ Text to enter finals

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel forged a strong start then weathered a searing Talk N’ Text rally to advance to the finals of the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a pulsating 111-103 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday, May 12.

The Kings built a 20-point, 61-41 advantage at half time — a cushion that proved to be enough to withstand the second-half onslaught delivered by the Tropang Texters in front of more than 21, 000 fans at the venue.

Thus, Ginebra advances to the championship round against the Alaska Aces, a dream conference in which the Kings lost six straight games before finding rejuvenation with import Vernon Macklin.

Spitfire guard LA Tenorio powered Ginebra with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists while Macklin, who escaped a technical after slamming Aaron Aban in the second half, added 22 points and 20 boards.

Import Tony Mitchell paced the undermanned Talk N’ Text crew with a whopping 42 points, but nobody else finished with more than 15 points for coach Norman Black.

Game 1 of the finals is slated on Wednesday, May 15, at the Big Dome. – Rappler.com