MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings escaped Blackwater Bossing’s upset try after a 96-81 triumph in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
After seeing its 17 points trimmed to 77-79 at the onset of the fourth quarter, the Kings unloaded timely conversions from LA Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, and Christian Standhardinger to surge to 86-77.
The Bossing made its last stand at 81-86 on four straight points from Kelly Nabong before the Kings got back-to-back three-point plays from Standhardinger and free throws from Prince Caperal to secure the victory.
Stanley Pringle spearheaded the defending champions Kings with 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Tenorio and Caperal added 17 and 16 markers, respectively.
Aguilar recorded 14 points, Standhardinger had a double-double of 11 points and 19 rebounds, while Earl Scottie Thompson ended up with 11 points and nine rebounds as Ginebra improved to 1-1.
“It wasn’t a pretty win, that’s for sure,” Kings head coach Tim Cone said. “We haven’t put together any pretty basketball yet. We are still working for teamwork right now. It’s a little bit of a struggle.”
Chris Michael Tolomia tallied conference-high 22 points, while Simon Enciso and Nabong posted 16 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Bossing.
Just like the Kings, sister team San Miguel Beermen (1-1) also entered the win column after a 110-93 annihilation of NLEX Road Warriors (1-2) in the second game.
The Beermen set the tone early with baskets from Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos for a 32-22 advantage. It grew further in the second period with consecutive hits from Jaymar Perez for a 60-41 halftime edge.
The Road Warriors attempted to come close in the third period, but conversions from Moala Tautuaa, Von Pessumal, and Perez stretched the lead anew for the Beermen as it reached its largest at 23 points.
BOX SCORE:
GINEBRA 96 – Pringle 19, Tenorio 17, Caperal 16, J. Aguilar 14, Standhardinger 11, Thompson 11, Chan 5, Dillinger 2, Devance 1, Ayaay 0, Enriquez 0, Holmqvist 0.
BLACKWATER 81 – Tolomia 22, Enciso 16, Nabong 10, Magat 8, Daquioag 6, Desiderio 6, Amer 5, Paras 4, Semerad 2, Canaleta 2, Gabriel 0, Dennison 0, Torralba 0, Escoto 0, Acuno 0.
QUARTERSCORES:
21-13, 45-32, 69-67, 96-81./PN
