PBA: Ginebra beats NorthPort behind Standhardinger, Ralph Cu

Ginebra’s Christian Standhardinger.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra got it together in the second half on Sunday night for a 95-88 nipping of NorthPort in the PBA Philippine Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The crowd darlings outscored the Batang Pier in the final two quarters, 52-35, behind the near triple-double of rookie Ralph Cu and yet another stellar output from Christian Standhardinger.

Cu finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists while Standhardinger had 25 points and 17 rebounds in the victory.

SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup

Ralph Cu, who ended just an assist shu of a triple-double, and Tim Cone at the end of the game. @INQUIRERSports https://t.co/BpzVvMpyCb pic.twitter.com/MvUf5Jt6Wi

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) April 14, 2024

“We talked about having to grind out wins on the way to the playoffs. We were down 10 in the halftime but they came back locked in defensively,” head coach Tim Cone said.

The victory gave the powerhouse club, now back at full strength, a 5-3 record in the All-Filipino derby. However, Cone couldn’t help but note the dampener brought on by an apparent leg injury suffered by high-leaping star Jamie Malonzo.

“He had to be carried off [the court]. He can’t put weight on his legs … hopefully it’s not too serious. We’ll see,” said the seasoned mentor, who also works with Malonzo at Gilas Pilipinas.

READ: PBA: Ralph Cu brings ‘something different’ to Ginebra

Ginebra’s Ralph Cu shoots during a game against NorthPort in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup.–PBA IMAGES

Cu said in the post-game presser that Malonzo, who had 14 points in the win, hurt the same leg he injured in a match against San Miguel last conference.

Arvin Tolentino starred with 19 points and nine rebounds for NorthPort. Joshua Munzon and Will Navarro chipped in 12 points each, as Allyn Bulanadi added 11 for the young club which dropped to a 4-3 mark in the standings.

On tap for Barangay Ginebra is a match against TNT on April 19, followed by clashes opposite Converge and NLEX.

NorthPort, on the other hand, has four more assignments left on its elimination round calendar starting with streaking Rain or Shine.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 95 – Standhardinger 25, Cu 24, malonzo 14, Ahanmisi 13, Thompson 10, J.Aguilar 4, David 3, Pringle 2, Tenorio 0, Pinto 0, Onwubere 0

NORTHPORT 88 – Tolentino 19, Munzon 12, Navarro 12, Bulanadi 11, Yu 8, Amores 7, Zamar 6, Calma 4, Lucero 4, Cuntapay 3, Flores 2, Rosales 0, Paraiso 0

Quarterscores: 30-21, 43-53, 73-70, 95-88.