ANTIPOLO – Hong Kong Eastern outlasted a spent Barangay Ginebra side by way of a 93-90 decision to stretch its winning streak to three in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night at the Ynares Center here.
Hayden Blankley came through with crucial baskets down the stretch, none more important than the pressure-packed free throws he sank with 3.9 seconds left to play to keep the opposition at bay — and settle the eventual count.
A key stop on a three-hunting Scottie Thompson on the other end officially sealed the visiting team’s fifth win in six games in the import-laden conference.
Blankley finished with 25 points, five rebounds, and four assists as he earned some sort of payback against the team that beat him and the Bay Area Dragons in Game 7 of the 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup Finals in Bulacan.
Chris McLaughlin continued his stellar play for HK, registering 20 points and 21 rebounds with six assists as he’s been impressive since replacing Cam Clark.
