PBA: Scottie Thompson returns, boosts Ginebra’s Top 4 bid

Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines— Barangay Ginebra cranked things up in the second half and then kept its foot on the pedal the rest of the way on Friday night to stifle Meralco, 110-96, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Maverick Ahanmisi scored 25 points, while Scottie Thompson tossed in 21 more in his first game back after a leg problem as the Gin Kings improved to 5-3, gaining a share of the No. 4 spot alongside sister team San Miguel Beer.

“I just felt that we’re challenged by Meralco being one of the top teams [in the league]. They even played well in the (East Asia Super League). So guys were really challenged to play well against them tonight,” said coach Tim Cone following the triumph at Smart Araneta Coliseum that stopped a two-game slide for the defending champions.

More importantly, Cone pointed out Ginebra’s improved chance on tabbing a playoff protection.

“This was a do-or-die for us for that,” he said, referring to the twice-to-beat incentive that comes with clinching a spot in the Top 4.

Christian Standhardinger also had 21 points spiked with 12 rebounds, Jamie Malonzo 17 while import Tony Bishop Jr. 12 that went with 13 boards in the first meeting against his former team.

Zach Lofton finished with 23 points, Cliff Hodge chipped in 17 more, while Aaron Black, Bong Quinto, and Allein Maliski added twin-digit scores for the Bolts, who dropped to 6-2.

The crowd darlings battle TNT on Christmas Day next, before winding down against NorthPort and then NLEX.

Meralco, meanwhile, will go in a break before playing league-leading Magnolia, dangerous Phoenix and desparate Terrafirma.