Barangay Ginebra proved to be the steadier team in the endgame, escaping Magnolia, 85-81, in another classic thriller to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 1.
Ginebra steadier in endgame, escapes Magnolia in another classic
At A Glance
- Barangay Ginebra proved to be the steadier team in the endgame, escaping Magnolia, 85-81, in another classic thriller to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, June 1.
The Kings drew clutch performances from Troy Rosario, Stephen Holt and Jamie Malonzo but it was their defense in the final possession that proved to be the difference as Ginebra improved to a 6-3 record in the standings.
Down by one, 76-77, inside the last five minutes, Ginebra unloaded a crucial 9-2 spurt to create the much-needed breathing room, 85-79, which it managed to protect until the final buzzer.
And that was also thanks to a solid defensive stand in the final possession where the Kings played honest defense and yet bothered Paul Lee, the league’s best four-point shooter, enough to miss his last second heave.
Japeth Aguilar finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds to lift Ginebra to the bounce back win while Rosario also stepped up with 15 points. Holt added 14 , Malonzo with 11 and RJ Abarrientos with 10 points and six assists.