Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ Christian Standhardinger in action in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra tore Blackwater to shreds on Friday night, 105-86, for an empathic return to the win column of the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Gin Kings drew 33 points from Christian Standhardinger, who was conspicuously absent in the final period of the embarrassing 91-85 loss to Terrafirma last Sunday.
“Tonight was a good jumping-off point for us. It’s a good week after two losses. None of us were feeling good about that. Guys put their anger–or whatever energy into this game,” said coach Tim Cone who rose to a 4-3 record in the standings.
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Maverick Ahanmisi and Ralph Cu tossed in 14 points each, while Jamie Malonzo had 11 as the crowd darlings finally played with Scottie Thompson, their star playmaker who came back from a back problem.
“Scottie’s a former MVP, so he’s going to make an impact for the team,” Cone said of his indefatigable guard, who scored four points that went with seven rebounds and eight assists.
Rookie James Kwekuteye had 20 points for the Bossing, while veterans Justin Chua, Troy Rosario and Rey Nambatac added double-digit scores in the losing effort that had the club dropping to 3-4.
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Barangay Ginebra hopes to get another streak going in this conference when it faces off with the young and promising NorthPort squad currently touting a 4-2 mark. The contest is slated for Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Blackwater, meanwhile, tries to wiggle out of a slump when it plays Magnolia on Wednesday next week.