The spotlight was on Ralph Cu as he helped Ginebra pick up its second straight win in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
On the day he turned 27 years old, Ralph Cu showed out for Ginebra.
Cu sizzled from deep, drilling in three triples in a third quarter Ginebra assault that saw the Gin Kings outscore Phoenix, 32-19, on the way to a 102-92 win in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Sunday, March 11.
He finished with 12 points, all on three-pointers.
But it wasn’t some birthday luck that earned him his first ever Player of the Game honor.
“It’s very overwhelming but I trust my work and I just want to be able to help the team in whatever way I can,” said the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 PBA Draft.
Cu added the Fuel Masters’ defense sagged on him during his extended minutes on the court.
He made them pay.
“I noticed their defense, I think, they’re giving me the shot. They wanted me to shoot the ball,” he said after clocking in 18 minutes and 32 seconds.
“I just wanted to let them pay and I think that would open up the other guys once I hit those shots.”
The 6-foot-4 rookie said he is grateful for coach Tim Cone’s trust. And after a fiery performance, it looks like he will see more action for the Gin Kings in the ongoing All-Filipino conference.
“Very grateful for the opportunity. I think this is the most I’ve had my whole life. Even in college I was a bench player,” said the former La Salle forward.
“I just want to make the most of the opportunities that are given to me. Hopefully I can be more consistent.”
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