PBA: Ralph Cu shows readiness for Ginebra in Game 5 win

Ginebra’s Ralph Cu during Game 5 of the PBA semis against Rain or Shine.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra got the usual contributions from its main guys during its Game 5 win over Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, but also from role players like Ralph Cu.

Cu scored eight points on top of three rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes during Friday’s 111-104 victory at Smart Araneta Coliseum that put the Gin Kings up 3-2 and one step shy of advancing to the Finals.

“I just stay ready, no matter how many minutes I get,” Cu said, stepping up especially after Scottie Thompson dealt with five personal fouls.

READ: PBA: Playing sparingly, Ralph Cu sparks Ginebra bounce back win

More than Cu’s output was the way he held fort against Rain or Shine’s bruising forward Jhonard Clarito.

At one point, Cu refused to back down on Clarito when the two locked elbows during the fourth quarter, an example of how Ginebra has adjusted to Rain or Shine’s physicality.

“We are both competitive and we both want to win,” said Cu while downplaying any sort of animosity, given that both players endorse the same shoe brand.

“We just followed our game plan, defensively,” he added.

Cu is not the lone player on the second unit to provide quality minutes for Ginebra, with Nards Pinto and Jeremiah Gray also playing important role in the win.