PBA: Caguioa sparks Ginebra to victory against Blackwater

 

Mark Caguioa showcased vintage form, scoring 18 points to lead Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a 100-91 victory over expansion team Blackwater on Tuesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

 

"Caguioa was awesome today, Mark is Mark," said Ginebra coach Jeffrey Cariaso. "When his name is called upon, he steps up."

 

The former PBA Most Valuable Player was at his best in the fourth quarter, keying the Gin Kings' breakaway against a feisty Elite squad that had come within striking distance.

 

Blackwater had come to within seven points, 75-68, heading into the final period. But Caguioa scored the first six points of the fourth quarter for the Gin Kings to finally put the pesky Blackwater squad away.

 

Mac Baracael led Ginebra with 19 points, while Greg Slaughter chipped in 10. The Gin Kings improved to 3-1, bouncing back from their first loss of the 2015 Philippine Cup against NLEX.

 

"Our vets came out there, they're solid. They executed and did what they needed to do," said Cariaso.

 

Paul Artadi scored 21 points to lead Blackwater, which dropped its fourth straight game in its maiden PBA tournament.  — JST, GMA News

 

The scores:

 

GINEBRA 100 - Baracael 19, Caguioa 18, Slaughter 10, Tenorio 8, Aguilar 8, Forrester 6, Mamaril 6, Yeo 6, Reyes 6, Helterbrand 5, Urbiztondo 3, Ellis 3, Brondial 2, Monfort 0.

 

BLACKWATER 91 - Artadi 21, Gamalinda 15, Erram 11, Faundo 10, Menor 7, Rodriguez 6, Cawaling 6, Timberlake 4, Nuyles 4, Laure 4, Ballesteros 3, Salvacion 0, Austria 0, Tiongson 0.

 

Quarters: 33-20, 59-43, 75-68, 100-91