PBA: Streaking Ginebra nears twice-to-beat, tops Converge

Jamie Malonzo. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra moved on the cusp of clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals after rolling to a 120-101 win over a Converge side that was left puzzled with import Jamaal Franklin’s lack of offense in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Sunday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Jamie Malonzo produced a career-high 29 points while Christian Standhardinger continued his superb form as the two were among those who came up with a huge showing that gave the Gin Kings a fourth straight win and a 7-2 record.

“The fact that these guys are finding a way of reaching deep is just amazing to watch,” said coach Tim Cone.

Ginebra has two chances to book a top four spot, the first against lowly Terrafirma on Wednesday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Standhardinger had 28 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three steals, import Justin Brownlee produced 28 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists while rookie Jeremiah Gray added 16.

But perhaps the bigger story came from the losing side as Franklin seemed disinterested in taking part in Converge’s offense.

Franklin scored just four points and attempted just five shots in 35 minutes, a huge contrast to his fiery performance in a tough overtime loss to Meralco two days prior.

The former NBA player scored 57 on 36 attempts in Converge’s 132-129 defeat. He came into the game averaging 37.3 points and 23.1 attempts, making everyone puzzled at the sudden change in mindset.

Converge suffered a third straight loss to bow out of contention for a twice-to-beat bonus by ending the elims at 6-5.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 120 — Malonzo 29, Brownlee 28, Standhardinger 28, Gray 16, Thompson 5, Pinto 4, R.Aguilar 4, Pringle 3, Onwubere 3, Pessumal 0, Dillinger 0.

CONVERGE 101 — Ahanmisi 24, Teng 12, Murrell 11, Arana 11, Stockton 10, Tratter 9, Racal 7, Balanza 7, Franklin 4, Ebona 3, Tolomia 3.

Quarters: 29-24, 64-55, 93-78, 120-101.

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