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MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra claimed a share of the top spot in the standings after brushing off NorthPort, 112-100, in the PBA Philippine cup Wednesday at Angeles University Foundation.
The Gin Kings tied the TNT Tropang Giga, who lost to the Magnolia Hotshots earlier, atop the ladder with similar 6-2 records while the Batang Pier dropped to 1-6.
Ahead for much of the second half, a momentary scare bothered Ginebra late in the fourth when the Batang Pier trimmed at the Gin Kings’ 19-point lead to get to within eight, 104-92, after Garvo Lanete and Renzo Subido hit successive buckets with 3:25 to play.
That comeback, however, was too late for NorthPort with Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson hitting late-game layups for Ginebra’s 108-97 lead with 1:44 remaining.
Despite the win, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said that their victory wasn’t the prettiest of the conference after the Batang Pier had initial control of the match, but he did commend his players for showing up with energy after playing two games in as many nights.
“Tonight wasn’t our finest hour,” said Cone, team trailed NorthPort 29-23 at the end of the first quarter.
“We weren’t sharp, we weren’t clean but I’m really proud of my guys for all the effort they gave. They weren’t frustrated and they showed a lot of character tonight.”
Stanley Pringle finished with a team-high 17 points to go along with eight rebounds for the Gin Kings, who had six more players score in double digits including Aljon Mariano who had 15 points, five boards, and seven assists.
Christian Standhardinger finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds for NorthPort while Kevin Ferrer also had 23 points on 7-of-11 from three-point distance.