WATCH: Interview with Coach Tim Cone and Best Player Christian Standhardinger [Mar. 1, 2023]

Brgy. Ginebra kept its winning ways in its return from a nine-day layoff, thus, staying on track for a possible Top 4 finish in the PBA Governors Cup elims.

Christian Standhardinger collected near triple-double numbers and the returning Gilas boys had their contribution as the Kings smothered the Meralco Bolts, 112-107, to boost their drive towards claiming a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.

The Kings actually struggled most of the way but came through with one big play after another in the homestretch to score a fifth win against two losses in this Wednesday tiff at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“The guys instinctively tightened the reins, and it lifted us defensively. They stepped up on their own and played big,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

Standhardinger did step up big time, piling up 31 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks against three turnovers in 40:03 minutes of action.

Justin Brownlee had his own big all-around numbers with 29 markers, seven boards and six dish-offs and, in the crunch, Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray also came through as the Kings snapped the Bolts’ run and dropped them down to 5-4.

Standhardinger said he’s inspired playing with “amazing guys.”