Ralph Cu played a key role in Ginebra’s Game One win over Meralco in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinals on Friday, May 17.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone was not surprised to see Ralph Cu bask in the bright lights of a PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinal series against playoff rival Meralco on Friday, May 17.
Cu proved instrumental in the Gin Kings' 92-88 win in the best-of-seven opener against the Bolts where the rookie from La Salle went 6-for-7 from the three-point area to end up with a second-best 18 points, next to veteran Stanley Pringle's 22.
With still 2:22 remaining in the match, Cu made his biggest trey that sparked a Ginebra 7-0 counterattack, allowing the squad to restore a 10-point lead, 89-79, after Meralco tried to close in on back-to-back triples by Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi.
“It’s not something we don’t see in practice everyday. We see him hitting those shots in practice,” Cone said post-match.
“It’s not a surprise for us. It’s still a surprise for other teams, but not for us.”
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The two-time Grand Slam champion mentor was quick to acknowledge Cu’s impressive performance which helped the Gin Kings' carve a good start in the penultimate round.
“I thought that was key for us. Cause they (Meralco) were trying hard to collapse down on Christian (Standhardinger) and Japeth (Aguilar),” said Cone.
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Cu, for his part, said that he is willing to take on the challenge – no matter the minutes given to him, he will pour his best efforts.
“I’m up for the challenge naman. Kahit ilang minutes ibigay sa'kin, ibibigay ko lahat ng makakaya ko,” said Cu.
“Ready lang ako always, whether mataas minutes ko or mababa.”
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad, One Sports Digital)