Barangay Ginebra import Michael Dunigan protects the ball as Purefoods' Joe Devance (L) and Marc Pingris (C) block his path in Sunday night's PBA Commissioner's Cup game at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Jay R. Gotera Saudi Gazette
MANILA — The Barangay Ginebra Kings weathered a fierce storm whipped up by the Purefoods Star Hotshots in the endgame to score a resounding 96-87 victory Sunday night in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Ginebra secured its third win in six outings as the triple tower of import Michael Dunigan, Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar lorded the paint while LA Tenorio and back-up guard Eman Monfort provided orchestrated scintillating plays and steady leadership. Pint-sized point guard Monfort was a huge revelation as the seldom-used guard energized the Kings on both ends of the court. He finished with nine points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals to earn Player of the Game honors. Dunigan led the Kings with 22 points and nine rebounds while Slaughter posted 19 points and eight rebounds. Aguilar, seldom used in the conference, enjoyed more playing time Sunday, dishing out 10 points and 10 rebounds. Tenorio added 16 markers for the Kings. It was a huge bounce-back victory for Ginebra who suffered a 104-103 heartbreaking defeat against Talk N Text the last time out. The Kings' victory spoiled the return to the league of import Denzel Bowles who led Purefoods with 31 points. However, Bowles only had six rebounds and committed seven turnovers. Bowles replaced Daniel Orton who was kicked out by the Purefoods management after drawing a huge fine for maligning PBA officials and playing coach Manny Pacquiao following the Hotshots' stunning defeat in the hands of the underrated expansion club KIA Carnival. The Hotshots, who played minus injured top gunner James Yap, suffered a rare third-straight defeat after posting four straight victories. Peter June Simon, Mark Barroca and Joe Devance were the top local scorers for Purefoods, contributing 14 points apiece. GlobalPort 101, Blackwater 78 The GlobalPort Batang Pier had little trouble disposing of the Blackwater Elite, 101-78, as they nailed their fourth win in seven games, thus matching Purefoods' win-loss card at fifth to sixth place in the standings. The Batang Pier broke the game wide open early, giving the Elite little chance to spark a face-saving rally. GlobalPort thus nailed its first back-to-back wins, both lopsided victories. Once again, import Calvin Warner and local hotshot Terrence Romeo provided GlobalPort with a lethal one-two punch. Warner broke PBA records as he grabbed a season-high and franchise-record 30 rebounds on top of scoring 17 points. In offense, Romeo was the hottest of them all, firing a team-high 25 points. Ronjay Buenafe also came out with guns blazing, scoring 17 points in just three quarters. Overall, Globalport grabbed a humongous 75 rebounds as against the Elite's 46 boards. Marcus Douthit led Blackwater with 19 points and 17 rebounds, while Brian Heruela added 17 points — all to no avail as the Elite found themselves in a familiar spot at the bottom of the standings with a 1-5 card. Games Tuesday: NLEX Road Warriors vs. San Miguel Beermen; Alaska Aces vs. Barako Bull Energy.
