Helterbrand, Caguioa spark Ginebra comeback to tie series vs. Meralco

Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings tied the series. GMA News

Veterans Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa provided the fourth quarter spark, while Joe Devance nailed the go-ahead basket as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel survived Meralco, 88-86, on Friday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The victory allowed the Gin Kings to tie the PBA Governors' Cup best-of-seven finals series at 2-all.

"Jay was a bit spectacular, but Mark did well too," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

Ginebra dominated the first two quarters, taking a 46-35 lead heading into the halftime break.

But Meralco import Allen Durham went berserk in the third period, leading the charge that saw the Bolts take a 74-58 lead into the final quarter.

Helterbrand, who was celebrating his 40th birthday, came in along with Caguioa to provide the fuel for the Gin Kings comeback. Helterbrand hit three three-pointers, while Caguioa scored a couple of baskets in a furious 21-2 run to open the fourth period.

The game remained close down the stretch, before Joe Devance hit a tough turnaround, fadeaway shot with 25 seconds left to break the game's final deadlock, 88-86.

Durham missed a three-point attempt in the next possession, forcing Meralco to foul LA Tenorio. But the ace Ginebra guard missed both his free throws, giving the Bolts a final shot to tie or win the game.

Newly-crowned Rookie of the Year Chris Newsome, however, missed the potential game-tying basket, allowing Ginebra to escape.  —JST, GMA News