Kings whip Sorento, gain early solo lead

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

3 p.m. – Barako Bull vs Globalport

5:15 p.m. – San Miguel vs Purefoods

MANILA, Philippines - Now fully focused on his training for a coming fight, Manny Pacquiao was spared of a severe beating and embarrassment in the Petron Blaze PBA on Tour in Lucena City last night.

Barangay Ginebra practically gave Kia Motors a basketball clinic as the Gin Kings mauled the Sorento, 87-55, to gain the early solo lead in the PBA Philippine Cup before a sellout crowd at the Quezon Convention Center.

The overwhelming favorites with their formidable lineup ranged against unheralded rivals, the Kings hacked out another big win in a follow-up to their 101-81 rout of the Talk n Text Tropang Texters during the season inaugurals at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan Sunday.

Ginebra just left no opening that could’ve allowed Kia to again spring a surprise as it did in its come-from-behind 80-66 triumph over Blackwater also during the season opening day.

It was show time for the Kings who reigned over the Kia team minus its celebrated playing coach.

Big men Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar sparked a major run as the Kings broke away in the second quarter never to look back, sending the Sorento crushing back to earth after their auspicious PBA debut.

Slaughter and Aguilar scored 16 points each with reserve center Jayr Reyes making 12 markers and high-leaping slasher Chris Ellis tossing in 10.

On a massive 24-2 tear, the Gin Kings took the half at 43-22, then dominated to the finish.

With lapses and errors, Ginebra actually allowed Kia to enjoy the lead at 20-19.

As they regrouped, the Kings scored the next 13 points of the game before Alvin Padilla scored on a drive for the the Sorento.

From a 32-20 count, the Kings made another crucial romp to stretch their lead to 21 at the turn.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer also guns for a second straight win in tangling with Purefoods Star at the resumption of action at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

The Beermen and the Hotshots face off at 5:15 p.m. after the 3 p.m. tiff between Globalport and Barako Bull.

Coach Tim Cone said his Purefoods Star team must realize their grand slam feat is a thing of the past, and a new task is at hand.

“Alaska sent us a very strong and clear message that last season is definitely over,” said Cone of their 73-93 blowout by the Alaska Milk Aces Wednesday.

The multi-titled bench tactician said they have to buckle down to work as soon as possible especially after they lost Ian Sangalang to an ACL injury.

“With Ian expected to be out of the rest of the conference, our job has got much harder. Still, it’s just the first game and there is no reason to panic at this point,” said Cone.