Nards Pinto and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. – MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Barangay Ginebra nailed its first victory after dropping its first two assignments after taking down Phoenix, 95-89, on Wednesday in the PBA On Tour at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Nards Pinto had 22 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two steals while Aljon Mariano, Raymond Aguilar and Jason David also scored in double figures as Ginebra entered the win column after opening the exhibition series with defeats to San Miguel Beer and Magnolia.
Coach Richard del Rosario is pleased with what he’s seeing from the Gin Kings squad that was to fill its rosters with players from the PBA 3×3 and other free agents with stars Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger ruled out for the duration of the PBA On Tour.
“I’m just happy our players are getting their confidence because these are players who are looking for opportunities,” said Del Rosario, who is handling the Ginebra side in an acting capacity with coach Tim Cone out because of duties with Gilas Pilipinas.
Barangay Ginebra’s Aljon Mariano. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The Gin Kings opted to give heavy minutes to those in Ginebra’s regular players, including Jeremiah Gray and Von Pessumal, compared to the previous two games when the minutes were shared.
Mariano produced 18 points and 10 rebounds, Aguilar posted 15 points and six rebounds while David also made 15 points with seven rebounds and three assists.
RJ Jazul scored 18 points and Reden Celda had 17 but Phoenix suffered its second loss through five outings in the series.
Javee Mocon made his On Tour debut for the Fuel Masters, registering 14 points and nine rebounds in 29 minutes.
The scores:
GINEBRA 95—Pinto 22, Mariano 18, Aguilar 15, David 15, Gumaru 6, Onwubere 6, Aurin 6, Pessumal 4, Gray 3, Salcedo 0, Cu 0.
PHOENIX 89—Jazul 18, Celda 17, Mocon 14, Muyang 13, Lalata 11, Soyud 8, Fetalvero 3, Atienza 3, Alejandro 2, Rangel 0.
Quarters: 26-26, 47-47, 76-68, 95-89.