Author: Bon Maddagan
Photo Credit: PBA Images
Brgy. Ginebra’s balanced attack helped them avenge their previous defeat against Blackwater on Sep. 10, marking their fourth victory in their last six games and their third consecutive win.
Thompson’s Triple-Double and Ginebra’s Balanced Attack Propel Victory
Scottie Thompson showcased his MVP form, leading the charge with a strong triple-double performance of 21 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. Justin Brownlee gave excellent support with 20 points and 3 blocks. Stephen Holt also had a standout game, contributing 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists while Rookie RJ Abarrientos (15 points) and veteran Japeth Aguilar (14 points) continued to provide steady help.
Despite the loss, Blackwater’s George King Jr. sustained his royal-like game, demonstrating his versatility with an all-around game of 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Troy Rosario delivered 18 points, while rookie Sedrick Barefield continued to impress, contributing 15 points. Christian David, the former #2 pick, also made a positive impact but missed some shots, finishing with 13 points.
The clash promised a good one, as both teams were playing at their best. Blackwater, boosted by their new import, had won three games in a row, including their last meeting. Ginebra, meanwhile, was riding a wave of momentum after impressive wins over Phoenix and NLEX.
Ginebra started strong, opening the game with a 6-0 run fueled by their inside game. Blackwater quickly responded with an 11-0 run, capped off by a four-point play from RK Ilagan. Ginebra, however, regained control through a team effort, with rookie RJ Abarrientos ending the first quarter with another four-pointer, giving them a comfortable 36-22 lead.
Brgy. Ginebra continued to enjoy the lead but the Bossings weren’t going away, matching their every move. At one point, they close the gap to two 74-76. But Ginebra knew how to respond as Thompson would connect in a three-pointer bringing their lead back to 9 (91-82). From then, Ginebra’s depth proved to be too much for the Bossings as their lead ballooned to as much as 19 (105-86) securing the win.
The Scores :
- GINEBRA 112 – Thompson 21, Brownlee 20, Abarrientos 15, Holt 14, J.Aguilar 14, Ahanmisi 8, Go 7, Tenorio 6, Mariano 4, Pinto 3, R.Aguilar 0
- BLACKWATER 98 – King 21, Rosario 18, Barefield 15, David 13, Chua 12, Ilagan 6, Escoto 5, Kwekuteye 3, Mitchell 3, Suerte 2, Corteza 0, Montalbo 0, Ponferrada 0
- QUARTERS: 36-22, 67-58, 91-82, 112-98
