Simon explosion leads Giants to franchise’s best start
Sunday, 04 November 2007
The Purefoods TJ Giants certainly are not wanting in take charge guys.
Peter June Simon had an explosive first quarter and the unbeaten Giants came away with a 103-76 rout of the Barangay Ginebra Kings Sunday night before a sellout crowd at the Cuneta Astrodome.
It was practically a one-sided game. Whatever hopes the defending champion Kings had entertained, they quickly went up in smoke after Simon's first quarter scoring spree.
"It's nice to be a part of the franchise’s best start," offered Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio moments after the Giants rolled to their fifth consecutive victory.
"We're looking good. But we're not even halfway the first round of the conference. I just hope our hot start could translate into a championship," added the boyish-looking tactician.
Simon led all scorers with 27 points, including 15 in the first quarter that all but took away the fight from the Kings.
With the job all but done, James Yap and Kerby Raymundo – who carried the Giants on their broad shoulders the previous games – had the luxury of playing backup this time around.
James Yap scored 13 points and Raymundo tallied eight points and eight rebounds – the first time he didn't register double digits on both departments this conference.
Simon, a pesky, highly-energized guard, was like a man possessed in the opening quarter, connecting on 6-of-11 shots as Purefoods seized control and was never challenged the rest of the way. The 27-point margin is the biggest spread recorded so far this season.
Purefoods wrapped up the first quarter 25-19, then stretched the lead to 51-30 at halftime as the Kings couldn't get their rhythm going.
Ginebra shot a woeful 26 percent from the field and gave up 10 points on as many turnovers in the first half.
Tempers flared early in the fourth quarter when Purefoods' reserve guard Brandon Cablay and Ronald Tubid, Ginebra's energetic forward, nearly came to blows after the two got into contact.
Tubid scored 11 points and Rafi Reavis added 10 for the Kings, who continue to struggle in the absence of injured stars Mark Caguioa and Eric Menk.
"Their status remain day-to-day," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico when asked when the two will join the team.
It was the fourth loss in five games for the Kings, in the process joining the Welcoat Dragons in the cellar. (DBC)
Box Scores
PJ Simon 27, Romel Adducul 16, James Yap 13, Kerby Raymundo 8, Brandon Cablay 7, Chico Lanete 6, Jondan Salvador 5, Rob Sanz 5, Marc Pingris 4, Roger Yap 4, Ardy Larong 4, Richard Yee 4
Ginebra 76 — Tubid 11, Reavis 10, Holper 8, Artadi 8, Salvacion 8, Aquino 7, Helterbrand 7, Escalona 6, Macapagal 6, Mamaril 5, Lao 0.
Quarters: 25-19; 51-30; 77-53; 103-76
Purefoods 25 26 26 26 – 103
Ginebra 19 11 23 23 – 76
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