PBA – Barangay Ginebra need to beat twice the Star Hotshots in order to advance into the PBA Philippine Cup Finals and they did it in another dominating passion. Just like in Game 6, Ginebra outclassed the Hotshots in “Do or Die” Game 7 leading by Sol Mercado, who lead all scorers for both teams with 23 points, LA Tenorio added 21 points and Japeth Aguilar scores 19 points.
For the Hotshots they rely on their star player Marc Pingris who scores 17 points and Allen Maliksi with 22 points while their new acquisition and the new franchise player Paul Lee “The Lethal Weapon” was once again limited in a single digit point scoring only 4 points in a game where superstar are made?
Ginebra starts Game 7 strong outscoring the Hotshots 26 – 16 in the 1st quarter, while the 2nd quarter and 3rd quarter belong to the Hotshots as they cut the lead of the Kings in just 4 points at the end of the 3rd quarter 65 – 61. The 4th quarter is a complete domination of the Kings outscoring the Star 24 -15 to post a double digit lead that eventually lead to the Kings victory in Game 7, 89 – 76 in a jam pack Mall of Asia.
Barangay Ginebra is now on their 2nd consecutive Finals appearance, they won the 2016 PBA Governor’s Cup Championship last conference and now it would give them another chance to win the most elusive and important title the "PBA Philippine Cup Championship".
Meanwhile the Hotshots chance of getting back to the finals seems not the right time for now, the team has shown a great improvement this year at least they made in the semi-finals and had the chance twice to beat Ginebra and advance into the finals. Maybe next conference would be their time? And could bring back the glory days of the Purefoods Franchise?
The PBA Philippine Cup Finals will feature sister team Barangay Ginebra and defending Champion San Miguel Beer, the Beermen are also looking for their 3rd consecutive Philippine Cup Title and it will be a great series which will start on Friday February 24 at 7pm in Mall of Asia Arena.
