PBA: Ginebra stays in twice-to-beat hunt with win over NorthPort

Tony Bishop.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra got its act together just in time on Sunday night to upend NorthPort, 103-93, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Gin Kings, the defending champions this conference, pulled through behind the one-two punch of import Tony Bishop Jr. and Jamie Malonzo to stay in contention for twice-to-beat protection in the playoffs.

The win gave the crowd darlings their 12th straight victory against the Batang Pier, while muddling up the Top 4 race where four other teams remain in play.

Jamie Malonzo.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Bishop Jr. finished with 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Malonzo 16 and nine. Christian Standhardinger also delivered 16 points, while Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi finished with at least 13 points each in the effort that had Ginebra rising to 7-3 overall.

NorthPort got the goods from young ace Arvin Tolentino who finished with 27 points. Import Venky Jois chipped in 21 points and 17 rebounds as Paul Zamar and JM Calma tossed in double-digit scores of their own.

The Batang Pier ended the elimination phase with a 6-5 win-loss record, bowing out of the race for that coveted playoff bonus.

Barangay Ginebra closes its elimination round campaign against NLEX on Jan. 13.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 103 – Bishop 26, Malonzo 16, Standhardinger 16, J.Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 13, Pringle 10, Thompson 7, Tenorio 0, Pinto 0, Onwubere 0, Cu 0, Gumaru 0.

NORTHPORT 93 – Tolentino 27, Jois 21, Zamar 11, Calma 10, Yu 8, Munzon 6, Chan 5, Paraiso 5, Flores 0, Rosales 0, Amores 0, Adamos 0.

Quarterscores: 24-26, 50-50, 77-72, 103-93