Never-say-die Ginebra Kings

The Barangay Ginebra Kings rallied from 18 points down to stun the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 97-90, in the main game of the 38th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum yesterday.

In the first game, the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters tightened their grip of the solo lead with a 100-94 triumph over the Air21 Express.

LA Tenorio piled up 20 points and 10 assists as the Kings pocketed their fourth straight victory to improve their to 6-5 (win-loss).

Rain or Shine went into the game fresh from a huge 102-98 win over the Meralco Bolts, where the Painters clawed back from 26 points down in the third.

The Painters, however, were victims this time around. They in crunch time as the Kings showed they are still the league’s never-say-die team.

Ginebra trailed for most part of the game and never tasted the lead until rookie Chris Ellis converted a three-point play that handed the Kings an 89-88 lead in the final 1:29.

The loss pulled the Painters down to third place with an 8-4 slate.

Padding their winning streak to three, the Texters improved to 10-2 (win-loss) and assured themselves of a playoff for the top two spots in the quarterfinals.

The top two teams in the quarters will enjoy twice-to-beat edges over their lower-ranked foes.