WATCH: Jamie Malonzo Highlights [Brgy. Ginebra vs NorthPort | Apr. 14, 2024]
PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup
Ralph Cu put on a career-best performance on Sunday, delivering a breakout game to lead Brgy. Ginebra to a 95-88 victory over NorthPort in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Cu nearly notched a triple double, tallying 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, all of which are personal bests in his budding PBA career. His impressive showing was instrumental in securing the Gin Kings’ second consecutive win, propelling them to a 5-3 record.
Selected as Brgy. Ginebra’s second round pick in this season’s draft, Cu showcased his clutch gene by making critical plays in crunch time. His three-pointer with 2:56 remaining in the fourth quarter broke an 85-85 deadlock, sparking a decisive 7-0 run that ultimately sealed the victory, including a key assist to Christian Standhardinger for a 92-85 advantage.
Despite the triumph, the crowd darlings’ celebration was tempered by an injury sustained by Jamie Malonzo in the final moments of the game. The high-leaping forward required medical attention from the team’s staff before being able to leave the court.
Standhardinger continued his impressive form following a standout performance in their win, contributing a team-leading 25 points and 17 rebounds.
Malonzo, before his injury, added 14 points, while Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in with 13 points for the Gin Kings.
On the other side, Arvin Tolentino led NorthPort with 19 points, but his efforts were not enough to secure the win as Brgy. Ginebra mounted a comeback after trailing by 10, 43-53, at halftime, outscoring NorthPort 30-17 in the third quarter.
