Ginebra Gin Kings’ Japeth Aguilar in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra used a balanced attack in the final two quarters on Friday night to escape TNT by the skin of its teeth, 87-83, and claim its third straight win in the PBA Philippine Cup.
After seeing their 21-point cushion vanish by halftime break, the Gin Kings found holes in their game and made the proper adjustments to pull out a thrilling win at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Japeth Aguilar had 20 points and 10 rebounds while Christian Stanhardinger scored just as much and pulled down five more boards than his teammates to lead the crowd darlings against a fancied rival also eager to bolster its chances of securing a comfortable spot in the playoffs.
READ: PBA: Ginebra starting to click but facing injury woes
“I wasn’t surprised that TNT made a run back at us, but I was surprised how fast it happened. That was a bit disappointing,” head coach Tim Cone said. “But I think the guys did a really good job of playing the game possession by possession–valuing each possession.”
Ginebra improved to 6-3 overall and notched a key victory in the first game that high-leaping Jamie Malonzo missed after hurting his calf late in the win against NorthPort last week.
Scottie Thompson also finished with a double-double of his own with 17 points and 10 rebounds, hitting two triples late that kept the enemy at bay.
Ginebra big man Christian Standhardinger and coach Tim Cone. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/X8s3oq1s0j
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 19, 2024
Roger Pogoy and Calvin Oftana had 19 points each while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser 12 for TNT which fell to 4-4 in the race.
The Tropang Giga will have PHoenix, Converge and then Magnolia left to finish their elimination round campaign.
PBA SCORES
GINEBRA 87 – Standhardinger 20, J.Aguilar 20, Thompson 17, Cu 12, Pinto 7, Ahanmisi 6, Onwubere 3, Pringle 2, David 0, Tenorio 0
TNT 83 – Pogoy 19, Oftana 19, B.Ganuelas-Rosser 12, K.Williams 10, Castro 9, Reyes 5, Montalbo 5, Galinato 4, Aurin 0, Ponferrada 0, Heruela 0, Khobuntin 0
Quarterscores: 30-13, 41-41, 63-59, 87-83