Barangay Ginebra brought its defensive intensity – and the result was positive for the team.

The Kings clamped down on the Meralco Bolts’ gunners and hammered out a convincing 100-73 triumph in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup game on the road on Saturday in Lapu-Lapu City.

“It’s good our defense held up and we held them to 73 points. I think that’s the key,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

Tanquingcen was criticized for his rotation choices, particularly in benching rookie Dylan Ababou, in a loss to the B-MEG Llamados last time around, but drew big games from Mark Caguioa, Alein Maliksi and Rico Maierhofer in this one.

Caguioa finished with 22 points, including a bundle in the second half.

Maliksi, playing the same position as Ababou, contributed 16 markers while Maierhofer chipped in seven points while playing both forward spots.

“Mark played well in the second half and in the crucial stretch. Everybody contributed in scoring and in defending. Our rotation has always been our rotation,” explained Tanquingcen.

Cedric Bozeman led all scorers with 27 points and completely outplayed his counterpart, Champ Oguchi, who struggled for 16 markers.

The Kings also did a great job in taking the rhythm out of Mac Cardona, who only had two points.

With his team getting back on track, Tanquingcen’s main concern is how to keep the team’s consistency. They will try to see it in their next game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, a team which hasn’t lost in the tournament.

“Our next game will be against Rain or Shine. They’re leading right now, but we’ll see what we can do,” he added.

The scores:

Ginebra (100) – Bozeman 27, Caguioa 22, Maliksi 16, Raymundo 13, Cortez 8, Maierhofer 7, Ababou 4, Hatfield 2, Mamaril 2, Labagala 2, Wilson 2, Helterbrand 0.

Meralco (73) – Mercado 23, Hugnatan 18, Oguchi 16, Taulava 4, Artadi 4, Macapagal 4, Cardona 2, Daa 2, Reyes 0, Ross 0.

Quarterscores: 25-13, 41-39, 67-57, 100-73