MANILA, Philippines – Cedric Bozeman and Mark Caguioa combined for 49 points and the entire Barangay Ginebra team came through with a solid defensive effort as the Kings ripped the Meralco Bolts, 100-73, in a PBA Governors Cup road game at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu, Cebu tonight.
Bozeman outclassed Champ Oguchi and Caguioa held his own in a shootout with Sol Mercado, leading the Kings to a second win in three starts in the season-ending tourney.
Rookie Allein Maliksi continued to make good impression and Rico Maierhofer had his contribution in his return from a long layoff as Ginebra caught up with B-Meg and Petron at second place behind unbeaten leader Rain or Shine (3-0).
Mercado scored 23 points to pace the Bolts in the game serving as the kickoff of the PBA Phoenix Fuel on Tour.
“Everybody contributed in scoring and in defending. It’s good our defense held up. I think that's the key,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.
“Our next game is Rain or Shine. They're leading right now. We'll see what we can do,” Tanquingcen added.
The scores:
GINEBRA 100 – Bozeman 27, Caguioa 22, Maliksi 16, Raymundo 13, Cortez 8, Maierhofer 7, Ababou 4, Hatfield 2, Mamaril 2, Labagala 2, Wilson 2, Helterbrand 0.
MERALCO 73 – Mercado 23, Hugnatan 18, Oguchi 16, Taulava 4, Artadi 4, Macapagal 4, Cardona 2, Daa 2, Reyes 0, Ross 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 25-13, 41-39, 67-57, 100-73