Ginebra's Mac Baracael shoots a three-pointer as Rain or Shine's Beau Belga jumps to try and block it, resulting in a shooting foul, with less than a second remaining in Saturday night's game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila. Jay R. Gotera Saudi Gazette
MANILA — Mac Baracael swished in three pressure-packed free throws with less than a second remaining to lift the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings to a dramatic 101-100 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Saturday night in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Two seconds earlier, Rain or Shine appeared headed for victory after import Arizona Reid scored on a shot clock-beating jumper over the outstretched hands of his Ginebra counterpart Dior Lowhorn, giving the E-Painters a 100-98 lead. After a Ginebra timeout, Baracael took the inbounds pass, pivoted and fired a desperation three-point shot. The shot fell short but the referee whistled a foul on Rain or Shine center Beau Belga who rushed to try and block the shot. The coliseum erupted with cheers from the legions of Ginebra fans and angry catcalls from the E-Painters' bench. Belga claimed he did not touch Baracael, an allegation that video replays appeared to support. Dismissing the E-Painters' protests, the referees gave Baracael three free throws which he converted to snatch the game away from the E-Painters. The victory created a three-way tie for sixth to eighth place with Ginebra, GlobalPort, and Alaska all having a 3-4 win-loss card. With the win, the Kings kept their hopes alive of getting a spot in the Top 4, and the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals that goes with it. For this to happen, Ginebra has to beat its last two opponents in the elimination round — GlobalPort and Talk ‘N Text. The loss prevented the E-Painters from assuring themselves of a playoff spot. With a 4-4 card, Rain or Shine forged a two-way tie for fourth to fifth spot with Barako Bull. Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao fumed after the match, claiming his team was robbed of victory. “Referee Quilinguen does not deserve to officiate in this league,” Guaio said, referring to the official who blew the whistle on Belga. “He blew the whistle when the ball was already in the hands of Arizona Reid. The call was delayed,” Guiao said. Rain or Shine team owner Raymund Yu later announced that they are officially putting the game under protest on the grounds that the referee decided the contest. For his part, Ginebra head coach Ato Agustin said, “It's a hard win. We're just lucky the referees called the foul.” Mark Caguioa regained his shooting touch to lead the Kings with 32 points. Ginebra's top gunner also had eight rebounds. Lowhorn added 31 points and nine rebounds. LA Tenorio likewise shone for Ginebra with eight points, six rebound, and 10 assists. Baracael also finished with eight points. Reid led the E-Painters, finishing with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. In the first match of the Saturday double-header, San Mig Coffee came from behind to tame Barako Bull, 81-77. With less than a minute left, and the Mixers down by two points, Mark Barroca nailed a jumper that tied the score at 77-all. After the Mixers regained possession following a missed shot by the Energy Cola, Barroca was fouled, resulting in two free throws both of which the sophomore guard sank with 18.9 seconds left. All hope was not lost for Barako Bull, but import Mike Singletary dribbled the ball off his foot resulting in a turnover with 9.5 seconds left. Allein Maliksi sealed the win for San Mig Coffee against his former team with two free throws. Marqus Blakely led the Mixers with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Maliksi contributed 18 points, ably filling in for the struggling James Yap.
