MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings displayed its “never say die” spirit to turn back Terrafirma Dyip, 112-107, in the 2021-2022 PBA Governors’ Cup last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Down by as much as 22 points, the Kings started its uprising in the third period behind Justin Brownlee, Christian Standhardinger and Earl Scottie Thompson to trim the deficit to 76-85.
The Kings continued its uprising in the fourth quarter with conversions from Japeth Aguilar, LA Tenorio and Brownlee to finally taste the lead at 104-103 on a Tenorio triple.
The Dyip took the lead for the last time at 107-104 before the Kings answered with baskets from Thompson and Aguilar for a 108-107 edge before Standhardinger and Brownlee sealed the win with baskets.
Brownlee finished the match with 29 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists, while Standhardinger added 26 markers as the Kings scored back-to-back wins for 5-4 slate.
Thompson tallied triple-double 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, Aguilar added 19 markers, while Tenorio drained all of his eight markers in the fourth quarter for the defending champions.
Juan Miguel Tiongson ended up with 27 points, including four triples, Joshua Munzon added 23 markers, while Antonio Hester had 18 points and 11 rebounds as the Dyip dropped to 2-7.
In the second game, Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots vented its ire on sister team San Miguel Beermen with a domination to stay on top with 7-1 win-loss slate.
Holding to a slim 25-23 lead after the first 12 minutes, the Hotshots leaned on consecutive scores from Andy Mark Barroca and Paul Lee for a 57-44 halftime lead.
Magnolia went on with its rampage in the second half with inside conversions from reinforcement Michael Harris as the lead reached its largest at 24 points.
Lee and Harris finished the game with 26 points apiece, Barroca and Aris Dionisio added 12 markers each, while Jiovani Jalalon had 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Magnolia.
BOX SCORE:
GINEBRA 112 — Brownlee 29, Standhardinger 26, Thompson 20, J. Aguilar 19, Tenorio 8, Pinto 7, Onwubere 3, Tolentino 0, Chan 0.
TERRAFIRMA 107 — Tiongson 27, Munzon 23, Hester 18, Cahilig 10, Ramos 9, Go 7, Pascual 6, Daquioag 3, Calvo 2, Camson 2, Gabayni 0.
Quarterscores: 20-34, 42-63, 76-85, 112-107./PN
