WATCH: Interview with Coach Tim Cone and Best Player Scottie Thompson [June 12, 2022]

Governors’ Cup champ Barangay Ginebra stopped the Blackwater charge, avoiding an ambush with a tough 85-82 win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City Sunday night.

Season 46 MVP Scottie Thompson dished out an MVP performance, churning out near triple-double numbers and having a hand in an endgame push that scuttled the Bossing’s upset bid.

Christian Standhardinger, Japeth Aguilar and the returning Stanley Pringle had their clutch plays as the Kings overcame a 10-point deficit and came through with a winning season debut.

The Kings were still in a seven-point hole entering the last five minutes of the game, needing a 16-6 closing punch to foil Blackwater’s shot at a third straight win since ending a win drought in over two years.

Closing Season 46 with a win over Magnolia then starting the new season with an upset of TNT, the Bossing appeared headed for another shocker in taking command in the third quarter behind the combo of Josh Torralba, Rey Suerte and James Sena.

They sustained their effort and the momentum until Thompson, Standhardinger and Aljun Mariano restored order for Ginebra, combining for 10 straight points that shoved the Kings back in the lead at 79-76.

Still, Blackwater fought on and moved ahead for the last time at 82-79 on a 6-0 salvo by Baser Amer and Torralba.