PBA: Ginebra snaps streak, beats GlobalPort anew

Ginebra got back in the win column after posting a come-from-behind win against the lowly GlobalPort Batang Pier, 81-79, Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.   “Long way to go for us. We have to keep working and hopefully build on this,” said Ginebra head coach Siot Tangquincen. “It's a big boost for us mentally.”   The Batang Pier, who held the lead in the first three periods, were up four entering the fourth quarter, before Elmer Espiritu scored Ginebra’s first eight points to tie the game at 60-all.   Mark Caguioa finally put the Gin Kings on top with a booming triple at the 8:29 mark, 63-61. Gary David was quick to answer with his own trey for a one-point lead, but Rico Maierhofer and Caguioa strung six straight to give Ginebra a 69-64 advantage.   It was then that Gary David brought GlobalPort back with seven straight points for a two-point lead at the 5:16 mark, 71-69. Ginebra responded with a Hatfield fastbreak conversion, before David and Helterbrand exchanged baskets in the next five possessions. Helterbrand split his free throws on the line putting the Gin Kings ahead, 77-75.   After a David missed jumper, the Barangay went to Tenorio, who hit a trey at the 1:51 mark to give the Kings a five-point cushion. Willie Miller converted quickly at the other end, as Willie Wilson split from the line, 81-77.   David would not give up for GlobalPort, hitting another tough jumper with 1:18 remaining, 81-79. Batang Pier got another chance to tie or take the lead, but Miller missed with 40.1 ticks remaining in the clock.   Ginebra then turned the ball over, as Glenn Capacio called his final timeout with 7.7 seconds remaining. The Batang Pier went to Miller for the last play, but the burly guard stepped on the baseline for his undergoal stab to give possession and the win to the Barangay.   Mark Caguioa was the best player of the game with 19 points four assists and three steals, while LA Tenorio chipped in 14.   Siot Tanquingcen also got quality minutes from Elmer Espiritu, who not only scored 12 points, but also provided sticky defense on David in the wings in the crucial stretch at the end.   Gary David had an efficient night, chalking up 27 points in 27 minutes. Willie Miller put in 18,  seven assists and four boards.  - AMD/ELR, GMA News   The scores:   GINEBRA 81 - Caguioa 19, Tenorio 14, Espiritu 12, Wilson 9, Mamaril 8, Helterbrand 8, Ellis 6, Maierhofer 3, Hatfield 2, Jensen 0, Labagala 0, Raymundo 0.   GLOBALPORT 79 - David 27, Miller 18, Deutchman 8, Lingganay 7, Guevarra 7, Yee 4, Vergara 4, Salvador 2, Adducul 2, Manuel 0, Mandani 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Antonio 0.   Quarters: 17-20, 28-33, 52-56, 81-79