BARANGAY Ginebra bucked another slow start, needing to overhaul a 17-point deficit to beat Blackwater, 90-87, on Sunday for its second straight win in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena.
The Gin Kings barely survived a scare from the Bossing after overcoming a 36-19 deficit at the end of the first quarter. Their 3-1 (win-loss) record pulled them even with Phoenix Super LPG and Meralco for second place behind unbeaten Magnolia.
READ Ginebra overhauls 17-point Blackwater lead in another NSD comeback
Ginebra wasn't out of the woods until the final seconds and only heaved a sigh of relief after Blackwater import Chris Ortiz missed a three-pointer in the possession, extenging the Gin Kings' winning streak against the Bossing to eight games.
The Bossing lost their fourth straight game after an opening win.
“It was a struggle again for us,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, whose team was coming off a tight 107-102 win over Rain or Shine in a game where it trailed by as many as 12 points.
“In some ways, these are good for us because there are tough games and they toughen us up and we have to play well, we have to defend well down the stretch. In that regard, it’s good for us. But we need to play better,” said Cone.
Two field goals by Christian Standhardinger after the game's final deadlock at 84-all proved to be enough for Ginebra to pull off the victory.
Tony Bishop had 25 points and 11 rebounds including two free throws that also helped Ginebra keep their gap.
Maverick Ahanmisi added 20 pointers, while Standhardinger chipped in 16 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists for Ginebra.
Ortiz had 20 points and 10 rebounds, while RK Ilagan had 13 of his 15 points in the first half that enabled Blackwater to take a 50-41 halftime lead.
The scores:
Barangay Ginebra 90 – Bishop 25, Ahanmisi 20, Standhardinger 16, Pringle 10, J. Aguilar 8, Thompson 7, Pinto 4, Cu 0.
Blackwater 87 – Ortiz 20, Ilagan 15, Rosario 15, Hill 11, DiGregorio 8, Suerte 8, Guinto 8, David 2, Casio 0, Escoto 0, Ayonayon 0, Banal 0.
Quarters: 19-36; 41-50; 71-69; 90-87.
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