BARANGAY Ginebra overcame a Magnolia squad that kept fighting after being left to play all-Filipino to pull off an 87-84 win on Wednesday in Game One of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the Philsports Arena.
The Gins barely survived an error-strewn endgame against a Hotshots team that was left to play without import Nick Rakocevic after he was ejected on two technical fouls in the third quarter of Game One.
[READ: Magnolia import Nick Rakocevic tossed out of Game One]
Jamie Malonzo, Scottie Thompson, and Christian Standhardinger made critical baskets and clutch plays in the endgame to help the Gin Kings take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinal playoff.
In the final possession of the game, Justin Brownlee uncharacteristically missed two free throws but Standhardinger got the offensive rebound to finally seal the win. Brownlee finished with 11 points on seven attempts in a rare off-night.
“It was a struggle out there,” said Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who celebrated his 65th birthday on Wednesday. “Their defense is so quick. They get to the ball, they recover back, and they get back to the ball. It’s just so quick, it’s frustrating. And they scout really well. They know what’s coming.”
Malonzo had 21 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals. He had five in an 8-0 run that enable Ginebra to grab an 85-78 lead.
Thompson had 16 points, while Standhardinger had 14 points including a jumper that pushed Ginebra ahead by three with 12.2 seconds remaining.
But Malonzo turned the ball over, giving Magnolia a chance to tie the game but Mark Barroca missed on a three on the ensuing possession.

Rakocevic was sent off after being slapped with a flagrant foul penalty one after contact with Standhardinger in the 6:31 mark of the third. He was previously called for a technical foul in the second quarter.
Paul Lee had 21 points while Aris Dionisio had 12 points for Magnolia.
The scores:
Barangay Ginebra 87 – Malonzo 21, Thompson 16, Standhardinger 14, Brownlee 11, Pringle 8, Tenorio 6, J. Aguilar 6, Gray 3, Mariano 2.
Magnolia 84 – Lee 21, Dionisio 12, Sangalang 10, Abueva 10, Rakocevic 10, Dela Rosa 7, Jalalon 6, Corpuz 4, Barroca 4, Reavis 0, Wong 0, Laput 0, Mendoza 0.
Quarters: 24-22; 45-44; 70-67; 87-84.
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