Dragged into a battle through the first three quarters by Blackwater, Barangay Ginebra shook off the challenge in the final canto and rolled to a 98-81 win to firm up its bid for a Top Four finish in the PBA Governors Cup elims at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Friday night.
Still down by four, 69-73, at the outset of the fourth quarter, the Kings unleashed a key 16-2 run to seize command then subsequently stretch their romp to a seven straight games.
Ginebra turned a close game into a blowout as the Kings pummeled the Elite, 29-10, in the fourth quarter starring their local crew led by LA Tenorio.
Blackwater failed to sustain the momentum of a tough stand through the first three quarters and went down to a fifth loss against four wins.
"We took control only midway through the fourth. Until that point, the game could've gone either way," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
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"They're playing great with a lot of guys hitting three-point shots. Henry Walker was a beast. He's physically strong and could shoot from deep the Stephen Curry range. And he led his team out there," Cone also said.
The Ginebra mentor was happy they pulled off the win and would thus enjoy some momentum going to their game against San Miguel Beer Sunday.
"It's important for us to get this game for our quick turnaround playing San Miguel Sunday.
You don't want to play San Miguel coming off a loss," said Cone.
At 7-1, Ginebra can secure a Top Four finish and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals with one more win in their last three games versus San Miguel, Rain or Shine and TNT KaTropa.
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Tenorio starred in their fourth-quarter rampage, sizzling with 10 points after scoring only
six in the first three quarters.
Greg Slaughter also proved to be a big key with 22 points and eight rebounds while also drawing most of Poy Erram's fouls. The Blackwater big man fouled out with over six minutes left to play.
The Kings actually got to a 15-2 start but blew hot and cold before steadying up in the payoff period.
The Elite, meanwhile, simply crumbled down at the finish. (SB)
