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Scottie Thompson led the way and Barangay Ginebra got back on track after a 103-77 beatdown of Kia in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
Thompson flirted with a triple-double after collecting 12 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists for the Gin Kings, who evened their record to 4-4.
Coming off their fourth loss in five games, Ginebra had the perfect bounce back opponent in Kia, which is dead last in the standings with a 1-6 slate.
“It’s been such a struggle for us this conference, It’s nice to be able to get a win,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “We played a complete game and was able to pull away. It was really a struggle for us but it might be the game that helps us turn around.”
It was a wire-to-wire win for the Kings, who emptied their bench entering the fourth period and led by as much as 29, 53-82, early in the final frame.
Ginebra broke the game wide open in the second quarter, where it went on an 18-3 run in the last seven minutes of the first half.
“We’re getting healthier. We’re getting on the same page and starting to adjust on the new way the game is being played and called,” Cone said.
“And we’re getting Joe back pretty soon. I’m not sure maybe next, maybe the game after but he should be available,” he said, referring to Joe Devance, who hasn’t played this season because of a foot injury.
Ginebra center Greg Slaughter posted 14 points and eight rebounds in just his second game back from a hamstring injury.
The Kings were clicking on both ends. They shot 49% from the field and had 30 assists and only 13 turnovers while also holding the Picanto to 34% shooting.
Rashawn McCarthy scored 15 points for the Picanto (1-7), who were out-rebounded, 57-42.
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