Gin Kings slam Road Warriors in Legazpi to clinch quarters bonus
Brgy. Ginebra displayed its renowned never-say-die mantra in order to overcome the formidable challenge posed by NLEX and secure its position in the Top 4.
Facing the risk of losing their chance for a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, the Gin Kings stepped up and triumphed over the Road Warriors with a score of 103-99. This remarkable victory took place Saturday night at the fully-packed Ibalong Recreation Center in Legazpi City.
During the final quarter, Tony Bishop, Stanley Pringle, Christian Standhardinger, and Maverick Ahanmisi delivered crucial baskets that propelled their team’s comeback. Despite trailing by as many as 11 points in the third quarter and facing a 91-94 deficit with only 3 minutes and 54 seconds remaining, the defending champs showcased their resilience and emerged victorious.
The Gin Kings concluded the elimination round with four consecutive wins, resulting in an overall record of 8-3. This achievement placed them in a tie with San Miguel and Meralco for the third to fifth spots. However, due to their superior differential, the Beermen and the Gin Kings secured the third and fourth positions, along with the win-once bonus, while the Bolts were relegated to fifth place.
As a result of their loss, the Road Warriors finished the elimination round with a 4-7 record. Their chances of securing the eighth and final quarterfinals seat now depend on the outcome of TNT’s (4-6) remaining game.
If the Tropang Giga manage to secure their fifth victory on the last day of the elimination round against Phoenix (8-2) at the PhilSports Arena, they will secure the eighth spot.
If the reigning Governors’ Cup champs lose, it will give NLEX a chance to stay in the competition and set up a winner-take-all match for the last quarters ticket on Wednesday.
On the other hand, the Fuel Masters can secure the No. 2 seeding if they beat the flagship team of the MVP group.
The scores:
Brgy. Ginebra 103 – Bishop 27, Standhardinger 18, Malonzo 16, Ahanmisi 13, Pringle 13, J. Aguilar 6, Thompson 4, Pinto 3, Pessumal 3, Tenorio 0.
NLEX 99 – Williams-Baldwin 27, Valdez 17, Nermal 15, Semerad 14, Anthony 12, Bolick 10, Rodger 4, Miranda 0.
Quarterscores: 31-23, 53-54, 77-82, 103-99.
