Cruz 3-pointer helps Burger King beat Fiesta Cup champ Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – Celino Cruz hit a dagger three-pointer and Burger King held on for a big 110-106 win over defending champion Barangay Ginebra to take the solo lead in the Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup at the Astrodome. The former Far Eastern University mainstay nailed the killer trey in the final 33 seconds to push the Titans safely ahead, 105-99, and cool down a surging Ginebra five. The Kings rallied from 13 points down and had close to within 102-99 when the 5-foot-7 Cruz came to the Titans’ rescue and seal the outcome of the first meeting between the two teams that disputed the title of the same conference last year. Burger King’s second straight win in as many games vaulted the team on top of the standings. “It’s a good start for us. All of us are trying to familiarize ourselves, new coach new manager half the team is new and I’m glad the guys are adapting to the system. It’s a good sign," said Burger king coach and national team mentor Yeng Guiao. Ginebra evened its card at 1-1. Arwind Santos topscored for the Titans with 20 points and nine rebounds. His two free throws halfway through the final period gave Burger its biggest lead of the game at 97-84. But the Kings wouldn’t give up, unloading a 15-5 run anchored by Ronald Tubid and the foul troubled Rod Nealy to push the reigning champions to within three. Nealy had another double-double of 26 points and 20 rebounds, but had to play the final seven minutes of the game nursing five fouls. Sunday Salvacion also had 26 markers on 5-of-11 shooting from the three-point area, all five of which he made in the first three quarters. The Kings last held the lead at 82-81 on a Paul Artadi basket at the start of the pivotal fourth, before the Titans went on a 16-2 tear to erect that 13-point margin. – GMANews.TV