Ginebra chalks up a win to stay in the hunt for a twice-to-beat advantage in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Ginebra's twice-to-beat bid still alive
It was a challenge in the early going but Barangay Ginebra eventually pulled away to a 122-105 win over the NorthPort Batang Pier. Justin Brownlee had a game-high 31 markers, but he received plenty of contributions from the Gin Kings locals. Jamie Malonzo drilled three triples on his way to 26 points, while Christian Standhardinger turned in an all-around performance of 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The first three quarters produced a see-saw affair for both teams, with Arvin Tolentino’s timely threes keeping NorthPort afloat. But the Batang Pier’s defense collapsed in the payoff period, as the Gin Kings had tons of transition buckets and wide-open opportunities to put the game away.
Tolentino finished with six treys and 24 points in his first game against his former team Ginebra. NorthPort Prince Ibeh hauled a double-double of 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Robert Bolick chipped in 22 markers.
With the win, Ginebra’s bid for a twice-to-beat advantage is still alive. Their remaining game is an exciting one: a duel with the Converge FiberXers.
Lee waxes hot in Magnolia win
Paul Lee continues to wax hot from deep as he led the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots to a 108-96 victory over the Meralco Bolts. Lee put in a conference-high 27 points, including a stellar 5-of-9 clip from the three-point line. Five other Hotshots scored in double digits, including 17 from Calvin Abueva and 16 from import Nick Rakocevic.
KJ McDaniels poured in 32 markers for the Bolts. Meralco drops to a 4-6 record, with upcoming games against the NLEX Road Warriors and the San Miguel Beermen.
