Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings celebrate after a thrilling win over Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Starting at holes as deep as 22 points, Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night escaped Magnolia, 95-92, for a thrilling end to a sensational Christmas Day showcase at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings escaped their sister team Hotshots by the skin of their teeth on a Scottie Thompson buzzer-beating left corner triple, ultimately willing the club back to the winning column with four wins and two losses.
RJ Abarrientos was crowned Player of the Game with 20 points and five assists, his heroics plucking the club out of that deep rut and paving the way for a Scottie takeover and Barangay Ginebra’s rebound from a stinging loss to Converge in Batangas.
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“They were designed for RJ to make a decision,” coach Tim Cone said of the final moments of the contest. “We put the game in RJ’s hands and he delivered with a great pass to Scottie.”
“We all struggled in the first half. But we all wanted to go home a winner. Coach Tim said ‘Never Say Die,'” the rookie playmaker said.
Thompson ended up with 14 points, five rebounds and six assists. Justin Brownlee showed the way with 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Magnolia got the goods from import Ricardo Ratliffe who had 17 points and 16 rebounds. Mark Barroca and Paul Lee chipped in 11 each as the Chito Victolero-mentored crew slide to 2-5 (win-loss)
Barangay Ginebra plunges back into action against another corporate sibling in San Miguel. The two heavyweights collide on Jan. 5.
Mangolia, meanwhile, will face Terrafirma next in a clash slated Jan. 10.