Ginebra Gin Kings’ Maverick Ahanmisi. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines— Barangay Ginebra played with steely nerves in crunch time on Friday night to foil Rain or Shine, 107-102, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Christian Standhardinger hit two baskets inside the final 29 seconds to keep the Painters at bay and preserve the heroics of off-season pickup Maverick Ahanmisi, who matched his franchise personal best 21 points which he tallied in the crushing loss to Magnolia last weekend.
“You gotta give credit where credit is due,” coach Tim Cone said shortly after the tight clash at Araneta Coliseum.
“Yeng Guiao teams, they don’t allow you to play well. We’re disappointed with our play today, but we’re glad that we got the W now. It’s just a two-day turnaround, so getting this tonight is important for Sunday,” he added.
Stand-in import Tony Bishop Jr. had 25 points, Standhardinger added 19 while Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson delivered at least 12 points each as the defending champions improved to 2-1.
Rain or Shine got the goods from Andrei Caracut who had a career-best 32 points.
Import DaJuan Summers chipped in 25 points, but was hardly a factor as his club tried to reclaim it once enjoyed in the first half.
Santi Santillan tossed in 17 more in the losing effort that had the Painters sliding into their fourth loss in as many outings.
The Gin Kings will try to get a streak going against skidding Blackwater this Sunday. The Painters, on the other hand, will try to end their drought against San Miguel Beer on Wednesday next week.