Ginebra forward JC Intal evades the defense of Barako Bull's Gilbert Lao during their PBA match last Friday at the Araneta Coliseum. (Photo by KJ ROSALES)

Game Saturday (Lagaw Gym., Gen. Santos City)
5 p.m. — Talk ’N Text vs Coca-Cola

Veteran point guard Johnny Abarrientos quarterbacked Baranhay Ginebra’s offense with aplomb as the Kings downed the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, 88-76, in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Leading a depleted Ginebra squad, Abarrientos displayed his old deadly form in orchestrating the Kings’ running game while scattering six points, issuing six assists and grabbing three rebounds in 29 minutes of action.

Ginebra, which boosted its bid for one of two outright Final Four berths, improved its record to 7-3, just two games behind leader Alaska (9-1).

Ronald Tubid, despite playing with a dislocated left ring finger, had a gamehigh 30 points for Ginebra on 11-of-20 shooting from the field, including 5-of-10 from the three-point area. Eric Menk had 18 points and 10 boards while JC Intal added 14.

Jayjay Helterbrand, the reigning league Most Valuable Player (MVP), sat out another game with a bruised right knee and is expected to miss two more weeks, while Celino Cruz fractured his left wrist in a recent game. The Gin Kings are also without Mark Caguioa who has a knee injury.

Ginebra coach Jong Uichico credited his players for coming out strong despite their injury problems, particularly Abarrientos, who recently came out of retirement to sign a new a contract until the end of the conference.

In the opening exhibition game, Alaska Milk showed no mercy in beating the Smart-Gilas national team, 130-99.

First Game:
ALASKA 130 — Miller 21, Hugnatan 18, Thoss 15, De Vance 14, Fonacier 13, Tenorio 10, Borboran 10, Cariaso 9, Ferriols 7, Dela Cruz 6, Burstcher 5, Dela Peña 2.
SMART-GILAS 99 — Casio 24, Al Hussaini 21, Barracael 16, Barocca 11, Aguilar 9, Ababou 7, Cawaling 6, Ramos 3, Ballesteros 2, Jazul 0, Buenafe 0.
Quarters: 24-18, 63-43, 98-71, 130-99.

Second Game:
GINEBRA 88 — Tubid 30, Menk 18, Intal 14, Salvacion 8, Abarrientos 6, White 4, Villanueva 4, Mamaril 2, Baguio 2, Kramer 0, Alvarez 0.
BARAKO BULL 76 — Najorda 14, Alonzo 12, Aljamal 12, Membrere 10, Hubalde 7, Chia 6, Belano 6, Faundo 4, Menor 2, Dimaunahan 2, Crisano 1, Lao 0.
Quarters: 20-19, 42-36, 68-53, 88-76.