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Standhardinger's 31-Point Crusade Proves Triumphant over Meralco
Photo credit: PBA
In their return from a nine-day layoff, Barangay Ginebra continued their winning ways, beating the Meralco Bolts, 112-107, in a PBA Governors Cup game on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Christian Standhardinger led the way for the Kings, collecting near triple-double numbers with 31 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks against three turnovers in 40:03 minutes of action. Justin Brownlee also had a big game with 29 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Despite struggling for most of the game, Ginebra came through with one big play after another in the homestretch to secure their fifth win against two losses. Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray also made significant contributions, with Malonzo scoring 16 points and Gray hitting back-to-back three-pointers to give the Kings a 108-102 lead with 55.9 seconds left.
The Bolts fought hard to the end, but Gray and Malonzo teamed up for the clincher, with the latter finishing with a thunderous alley-oop jam just before the buzzer sounded.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone praised his players for stepping up defensively when it mattered the most. "The guys instinctively tightened the reins, and it lifted us defensively. They stepped up on their own and played big," he said.
With the victory, the Kings are now on track for a possible Top 4 finish in the PBA Governors Cup elims and a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals. The Bolts, on the other hand, dropped to 5-4.
Nards Pinto chipped in 12 points and seven assists for Ginebra, while Scottie Thompson shared 10 rebounds and seven points. However, there was also sad news for the Kings, as LA Tenorio's nagging groin injury forced him to miss the game, putting an end to his record streak of 744 consecutive games played in the PBA.
It was the first match Tenorio skipped since entering the league as the fourth pick in the 2006 rookie draft. Despite the setback, the Kings will aim to build on this impressive victory as they continue their quest for a playoff spot in the PBA Governors Cup.
Christian Standhardinger led the way for the Kings, collecting near triple-double numbers with 31 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks against three turnovers in 40:03 minutes of action. Justin Brownlee also had a big game with 29 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
Despite struggling for most of the game, Ginebra came through with one big play after another in the homestretch to secure their fifth win against two losses. Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray also made significant contributions, with Malonzo scoring 16 points and Gray hitting back-to-back three-pointers to give the Kings a 108-102 lead with 55.9 seconds left.
The Bolts fought hard to the end, but Gray and Malonzo teamed up for the clincher, with the latter finishing with a thunderous alley-oop jam just before the buzzer sounded.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone praised his players for stepping up defensively when it mattered the most. "The guys instinctively tightened the reins, and it lifted us defensively. They stepped up on their own and played big," he said.
With the victory, the Kings are now on track for a possible Top 4 finish in the PBA Governors Cup elims and a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals. The Bolts, on the other hand, dropped to 5-4.
Nards Pinto chipped in 12 points and seven assists for Ginebra, while Scottie Thompson shared 10 rebounds and seven points. However, there was also sad news for the Kings, as LA Tenorio's nagging groin injury forced him to miss the game, putting an end to his record streak of 744 consecutive games played in the PBA.
It was the first match Tenorio skipped since entering the league as the fourth pick in the 2006 rookie draft. Despite the setback, the Kings will aim to build on this impressive victory as they continue their quest for a playoff spot in the PBA Governors Cup.
Mar 2, 2023
