Thompson nails clutch triple as Gin Kings escape Tropang Giga

Scottie Thompson delivered a clutch performance, sinking the game-winning three-pointer with just 53.1 seconds remaining to propel Brgy. Ginebra to an exhilarating 87-83 triumph over TNT in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena on Friday night.

Thompson’s crucial three came right after a game-tying shot from Calvin Oftana, breaking the tie at 83-83 and putting Ginebra ahead for good. This victory marked Ginebra’s third consecutive win, bringing their record to an impressive 6-3, while TNT fell to 4-4.

The dynamic duo of Thompson and Christian Standhardinger led the charge for the Gin Kings, with Thompson contributing 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five steals, and two blocks, and Standhardinger posting 20 points and 15 rebounds.

“It was truly a team performance. It was just a lot of manipulating for them and us and that’s why it felt so close,” said Brgy. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.

“We were surprised by the big lead we had. We were really surprised. I wasn’t surprised that they made a run, but I was just surprised how fast it happened. It was like a blink of an eye. All of a sudden, we were up 21. Then, all of a sudden, we were uptied. That was a bit disappointing,” he added.

Despite Ginebra holding a 21-point lead early on at 37-16, TNT fought back in the second quarter to even the score at 41-41 going into halftime. Both teams traded blows down the stretch, with Ginebra ultimately coming out on top.

Japeth Aguilar chipped in with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Ralph Cu added 12 points and six rebounds to help secure the win for the crowd darlings. The team rallied together in their first game since Jamie Malonzo’s injury, showcasing their resilience and depth.

On the TNT side, Oftana and Roger Pogoy led the scoring with 19 points each, supported by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser’s 12 points in a hard-fought battle.

Looking ahead, Brgy. Ginebra aims to extend their winning streak as they face Converge in Cagayan De Oro on April 27, while TNT gears up for a showdown against Phoenix on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The scores:

Brgy. Ginebra 87 – Standhardinger 20, J. Aguilar 20, Thompson 17, Cu 12, Pinto 7, Ahanmisi 6, Onwubere 3, Pringle 2, Tenorio 0, David 0.

TNT 83 – Oftana 19, Pogoy 19, B. Ganuelas-Rosser 12, Williams 10, Reyes 5, Montalbo 5, Galinato 4, Khobuntin 0, Heruela 0, Ponferada 0, Aurin 0.

Quarterscores: 30-13, 41-41, 63-59, 87-83.