PBA: Maverick Ahanmisi, Tony Bishop help Ginebra edge Blackwater

Ginebra guard Maverick Ahanmisi.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Roughened up early, Barangay Ginebra got its act together just in time to slip past Blackwater, 90-87, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night.

Import Tony Bishop Jr. and Maverick Ahanmisi, both newcomers, joined hands in a gutsy third-quarter stand to retake the lead as Christian Standhardiner dealt the finishing blows for the Gin Kings, who rose to 3-1 in the race, joining Meralco and Phoenix at second place.

“We would like to play better on both sides of the floor and we’ll continue to battle for that,” coach Tim Cone said shortly after the clash at Philsports Arena in Pasig City, eager to make up for the wobbly start his charges had.

“Both Mav and Tony are playing brilliantly despite not knowing what they’re doing,” he went on with a chuckle.

“We still need a lot to improve, but right at this point we’ll take the Ws and just keep moving forward,” he added.

Tony Bishop.–PBA IMAGES

Bishop posted 25 points and 11 rebounds while Ahanmisi collected 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Standhardinger chipped in 16 points that went with 11 rebounds as the crowd darlings dealt the Bossing their third straight loss in four games.

Import Chris Ortiz had 20 points and 10 rebounds while RK Ilagan and Troy Rosario added 15 each in the scoring effort. Tyrus Hill provided the spark off the bench with 11 points.

Ortiz had a chance to force an extra period, but saw his three-point attempt swarmed by Bishop Jr. and Japeth Aguilar.

Ginebra battles 2-2 Terrafirma on Sunday, as Blackwater tries to snap its skid against winless Rain or Shine on Saturday.