Ginebra uses dominant third quarter to hold off Meralco in PBA Finals

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel relied on a huge third quarter to prevail against the tough Meralco Bolts, 92-84, to go up 2-1 in the PBA Governor’s Cup Finals.

One dominant quarter changed the atmosphere of the game and things went out of hand for the Bolts entering the final frame.

Ginebra fired from all cylinders and went unconscious offensively to score a staggering 35 points in the third period alone, as they ballooned their 1-point lead to 20 in just 10 minutes of action.

A huge part of Ginebra’s onslaught was Stanley Pringle’s relentless drives to the rim as he chipped in 17 points during the third quarter mayhem.

Meralco shifted gears soon as the fourth started, stepping on the gas every time they get possession led by a determined Allen Durham who punished Justin Brownlee and Japeth Aguilar in the shaded area during their run.

However, Ginebra showed veteran patience down the stretch and slowed the game down to control the pace resulting in numerous conversions off well-designed set-plays by coach Tim Cone.