Barangay Ginebra ousts Talk ‘N Text

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

5:15 p.m.- Meralco* vs. Barako Bull

7:30 p.m.- San Mig* vs. Alaska

*twice-to-beat

STALLED the last time around, the Barangay Ginebra Kings withstood a furious endgame rally by the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters to pull off a 110-102 win yesterday in their do-or-die showdown in the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Kings, thus, booked the last quarterfinal ticket but will have a twice-to-win handicap against the top seed Petron Blaze Boosters.

Dior Lowhorn scored a game-high tying 31 markers for the Kings but it was the masterful play-making of LA Tenorio that spelled the difference.

Tenorio wound up with 24 points, 10 assists, six rebounds and three steals.

The crafty point guard also went 11-for-11 from the charity stripe and scored seven of Ginebra’s last nine points that helped the Kings weather Talk ‘N Text’s rally from 21 points down.

Talk ‘N Text was down 21 in the third period but came back in the endgame and threatened to within 98-101 in the final 2:53.

Lowhorn, however, converted a crucial basket just before the shotclock buzzer sounded, giving the Kings a five-point cushion. Talk ‘N Text’s rally ultimately fell short when Tenorio strung up five straight baskets.

Larry Fonacier fired 31 markers, while Courtney Fells had 26 for the Texters, who failed to advanced to the playoffs after making it to the finals six times in the last seven conferences, winning four titles.

BOX SCORES:

GINEBRA (110)- Lowhorn 31, Tenerio 24, Ellis 19, Caguioa 18, Mamaril 8, Wilson 4, Baracael 2, Aguilar 2, Helterbrand 2, Urbiztondo 0, Maierhofer 0.

TALK ‘N TEXT (102)- Fonacier 31, Fells 26, Castro 14, De Ocampo 8, Alapag 6, Ferriols 4, Carey 4, Peek 4, Anthony 2, Aban 2, Al-Hussaini 1, Reyes 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 26-15; 57-41; 87-78; 110-102.  /EDITORIAL ASSISTANT CALVIN D. CORDOVA