Ginebra got a shot in the arm heading into the PBA break for Gilas Pilipinas. The Season 50 Philippine Cup action resumes on Dec. 6.
Groping for form for most of the elimination round of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, Ginebra badly wanted a morale booster.
The Gin Kings got just that after warding off Phoenix in the fourth period for a hard-fought 102-93 win at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila Sunday, Nov. 16.
Climbing at joint seventh with Meralco at 3-4, Ginebra leader Scottie Thompson knows the importance of every game moving forward.
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“We really wanted this win. We all know we are struggling. As much as possible, every game for us is a playoff game na,” said Thompson after the match.
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The figures reflected his desperation.
Thompson did it all with 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals for the Gin Kings, who atoned for their heartbreaking loss to Converge the last time out.
Abarrientos helps Ginebra's cause
It was RJ Abarrientos, though, who led all scorers with 25 points built on four three-pointers.
His last triple knotted the count at 91-all and sparked a 14-2 run to wrap up the match.
Ginebra held the Fuel Masters to just two points in the final three minutes.
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Ricci Rivero impressed anew with 28 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, but Phoenix still plummeted to 2-6.
Jason Perkins added 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals in a losing effort.
Ginebra vs. Phoenix Scores:
GINEBRA 102 – Abarrientos 25, Thompson 19, Holt 17, Rosario 14, Gray 13, J.Aguilar 11, Torres 3, Estil 0, David 0, Pinto 0, Cu 0
PHOENIX 93 – Rivero 28, Perkins 17, Ballungay 12, Tio 12, Tuffin 10, Jazul 4, Nelle 2, Ando 2, Caperal 2, Daves 2, Santos 2, Garcia 0, Manganti 0, Escandor 0, Kwekuteye 0
Quarterscores: 27-19, 50-42, 75-50, 102-93
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.