As the race for the top four spots tightens, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel pulled off a crucial 93-86 win over the Mahindra Enforcers to sit comfortably at second place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on a thrilling Friday night joust.
Scottie Thompson displayed another all-around outing with an impressive double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, to go along with three assists and a steal. Justin Brownlee led Ginebra with 27 points including five triple and 17 rebounds.
After a nine-point Ginebra lead at halftime, Mahindra managed to make it a close affair, as Raymond Aguilar led the shock troopers for the Enforcers during the third quarters stretch. An 8-2 mini-spurt by Mahindra made it a three-point game heading into the final frame.
A scary sight occurred in the 10 minute mark of the fourth wherein Greg Slaughter fell down while clutching in his right knee. The former Ateneo Blue Eagle would manage to stand up on his own, but would not return to the floor.
Japeth Aguilar and Justin Brownlee led the parade on both sides of the floor during the last quarter wherein they led by as much as 10 with 3:22 left. On the other hand, White managed to help his team for one last comeback.
The Enforcers made it interesting, draining the lead to as low as three at 91-88. However, free throws by Brownlee extended the lead, while Mahindra failed to convert on their last two possessions.
After the game, a forward-looking Coach Tim Cone discussed the importance of Greg Slaughter.
“We’re happy with the win. We still don’t know(about injury) but we would not risk anymore but we’ll see if it turns to a setback,” he said. “He’s too important of a commodity for us and we’ll make sure that his comeback is right.”
Ginebra dominated the glass battle against Mahindra with more rebounds, 64 to 38. In another display of team basketball, the crowd-favorites dished out 23 assists out of their 32 shot attempts.
James White had 23 points in the loss for the Enforcers. Paolo Taha chipped in 20 points on 6-of-6 shooting from the foul stripe.
Brgy. Ginebra improved to a 7-2 record and are now holders of the solo second spot in the standings. They will next face the Phoenix Petroleum (5th, 5-4) on Wednesday at the Ynares Center. On the other hand, Mahindra drops to 6-4 but still has a good chance of grasping the twice-to-beat incentive. They will have the Meralco Bolts (6th, 5-5) as their next assignment on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Ginebra (93) – Brownlee 27, Aguilar 19, Thompson 12, Slaughter 7, Mercado 5, Tenorio 4, Cruz 4, Devance 2, Helterbrand 2, Marcelo 2, Mariano 0.
Mahindra (86) – White 23, Taha 20, Aguilar 10, Revilla 10, Ramos 7, Digregorio 5, Galanza 4, Bagatsing 3, Agovida 2, Guinto 2, Ballesteros 0, Jaime 0, Mandani 0.
Quarterscores: 20-22, 43-34, 63-60, 93-86
