Gin Kings back in the win column with 19-point rout of Bossing
Christian Standhardinger put on an explosive performance, netting 33 points barely a week after his surprising benching in the final quarter, as Brgy. Ginebra assertively overcame Blackwater with a score of 105-86. This victory on Friday put an end to a disappointing two-game losing streak in the 48th Season of the PBA Philippine Cup.
Improving their win-loss record to 4-3, the Gin Kings successfully rebounded from consecutive setbacks against San Miguel and Terrafirma, propelling themselves back to the fourth spot and aiming to regain stability after an unstable beginning to the season’s final conference.
“Tonight was a good jumping off point for us. It’s been a tough week after coming off two losses and losing three of our last four,” said Brgy. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone during the post-game press conference.
“None of us was feeling good about that. But I felt guys put their whatever anger, whatever they had, their energy into the game,” he added.
Standhardinger’s unanticipated benching in the closing quarter of the previous defeat to Terrafirma, where he scored 21 points, left many of the team’s loyal followers bewildered. Friday’s game saw a repeat of Standhardinger warming the bench in the fourth quarter, but this time it was due to the game being virtually decided.
The 6-foot-8 Fil German was dynamic on the offensive end, contributing solidly to their commanding 87-61 lead at the end of the third quarter.
Scottie Thompson marked his successful comeback from an injury break with 4 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and a pair of steals.
Ralph Cu also recorded a season-high 14 points on a 4-of-7 mark from the three-point line, while Maverick Ahanmisi matched this tally with 14 points.
For Blackwater, this marked their fourth consecutive defeat following a promising start with three successive triumphs in the conference. James Kwekuteye managed to contribute 20 points, with Justin Chua chipping in with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Bossing.
The scores:
Brgy. Ginebra 105 – Standhardinger 33, Ahanmisi 14, Cu 14, Malonzo 11, J. Aguilar 9, Pinto 6, Pringle 6, Thompson 4, Onwubere 4, Gumaru 2, David 2, Tenorio 0, Pessumal 0, R. Aguilar 0.
Blackwater 86 – Kwekuteye 20, Chua 17, Rosario 12, Nambatac 10, Escoto 8, Suerte 6, Guinto 4, Ilagan 3, Tungcab 3, Hill 2, David 1, Jopia 0, Casio 0.
Quarterscores: 29-21, 59-40, 87-61, 105-86.