Gin Kings drop third straight game

After opening the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup with three straight victories, Brgy. Ginebra just dropped the next three.

TNT waxed hot from three-point country all-game long, draining 21 out of 39 attempts for a sizzling 53% shooting clip, to demolish the Gin Kings, 119-92, Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Rookie guard Mikey Williams led the charge with 26 points while Ryan Reyes added 24 – all from long distance, connecting on 8-of-9 attempts.

“We shot the lights out. Ryan (Reyes) shot 8-of-9 and we wish we can shoot like that every night,” said Tropang Giga coach Chot Reyes during the post-game presser.

“Those were two important games for us. If we didn’t pull it off, we’re in trouble. We’re at .500 mark, far from where we wanted to be, but we’re fortunate to escape,” he added.

TNT played 4 games in a span of 8 days and won the last two in convincing fashion – a 15-point victory over the San Miguel Beermen last Wednesday followed by a 27-point manhandling of the Gin Kings two days after.

With his performance coupled by the injury of Roger Pogoy, (Ryan) Reyes made a strong case for a possible inclusion in Gilas Pilipinas.

“Ryan is in our team because of his defense, that’s his main contribution to us. Last time, he defended against Orlando Johnson and tonight against Justine Brownlee,” explained the TNT coach.

“Every time he makes a three-point shot or any other production is a bonus… That’s the kind of player he is. He’s always ready.”

Justin Brownlee led the crowd darlings with 25 points while Japeth Aguilar, Christian Standhardinger and Scottie Thompson chipped in 18, 16 and 11 markers, respectively.

The Gin Kings take a 1-day break before plunging back into action on Sunday, February 20 against the Orlando Johnson-powered San Miguel Beermen.

The scores:

TNT Tropang Giga 119 – M. Williams 26, Reyes 24, Castro 18, Fuller 13, Montalbo 9, Khobuntin 9, Banal 5, Rosario 4, Heruela 4, Marcelo 3, K.Williams 2, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Cruz 0, Erram 0.

Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel 92 – Brownlee 25, J. Aguilar 18, Standhardinger 16, Thompson 11, Tolentino 9, Tenorio 5, Pinto 4, Chan 2, Caperal 1, Enriquez 1, Ayaay 0.

Quarterscores: 34-28, 60-53, 94-74, 119-92.