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| Scottie Thompson's triple-double highlighted Ginebra's Game 5 stint. PBA Media Bureau |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASAY--With their backs against the wall, Barangay Ginebra put up a fight in Game 5 of their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals against the San Miguel Beermen.
Ginebra went smoking for most of the first half and appeared to be easily going to extend the best-of-seven series to a Game 6.
The Barangay still never gave up despite the Beermen taking charge in the third quarter and even took a 92-87 lead midway into the fourth quarter.
In the end, however, the Beermen showed why they are the three-peat defending champions after edging the Barangay.
[Related Story: SMB back in finals, eliminates Ginebra in wild Game 5]
Still, Coach Leo Austria lauded Coach Tim Cone for instilling the never-say-die mantra of Ginebra in the match on Saturday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.
"Nakita naman natin na nag-all-out sila. I have to give credit to Coach Tim Cone dahil hindi namin sila nakitaan ng white flag from the start," Austria said. "They came out really strong and prepared para maka-isa uli at i-extend the series."
As aforementioned, however, SMB proved that it's a force to reckon with in the all-Filipino conference down the stretch.
"Our players refused to lose dahil alam nila ang importance nitong game na ito," Austria continued.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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