Justin Brownlee vs Cliff Hodge–PBA Images
Two-time defending champion Barangay Ginebra remained alone on top after a 111-105 win over slumping Meralco in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday at City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna.
Assured of a spot in the playoffs, the Gin Kings improved to 7-1 as they pursue a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.
The Bolts have dropped their last four games in the season-ender after debuting with a 109-106 triumph over the Columbian Dyip.
Coach Norman Black and the Bolts, losing finalists to the Gin Kings in this tournament’s last two editions, are coming off a stint in the Fiba Asia Champions Cup where they wound up fourth.
Earlier, Henry Walker had a triple-double while Nard Pinto hit a triple late as Blackwater won again after a 99-93 squeaker over winless Rain or Shine.
Walker recorded 14 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists while Pinto drained a three-pointer to clinch the game,
97-92, with 17 seconds left.
A free throw by Maverick Ahanmisi put the Elasto Painters to within four. They got possession back but Ahanmisi flubbed a three-point try.
Pinto finished with 16 points and five rebounds.
Three others scored in double digits for the Elite, who occupy solo second spot at 6-1.
Mike DiGregorio tallied a team-high 17 points, Allein Maliksi had 13 and Paul Zamar, hero of a 94-91 win over Meralco on Wednesday, contributed 11 points.