Full-force Ginebra San Miguel had itself a successful 2020 PBA Philippine Cup debut after downing NLEX, 102-92, Sunday night at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center in Pampanga.
LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar, both of which were thought to miss opening night as they arrived in the bubble late, suited up and saw action that seemingly inspired all the other Gin Kings to deliver in the triumph.
“We’ve played a lot better than I thought we would. But I still hope we can play a lot better than we did tonight. But it’s nice to get that first win since we didn’t have much practice time with LA and Japeth,” said Coach Tim Cone.
Seven players scored in double figures in the win, with Aljon Mariano leading the way with 20 markers on 8-of-13 shooting, on top of five rebounds, four assists, and a steal in over 30 minutes of play.
Nine of his points came in the final frame alone, which he produced in consecutive fashion as he helped the Barangay keep the Road Warriors at bay after closing by just three, 82-85, from 16 down in the third.
His good pal Scottie Thompson notched a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds with five assists, two steals, and a block, but it was his outside shooting that impressed the most as he went 3-of-4.
Thompson had eight of his output in the third quarter, where he, Aguilar, Joe Devance, and Jeff Chan joined forces for a 13-2 run that turned Ginebra’s five-point lead to 75-59 with 4:03 on the clock.
Veteran Jared Dillinger also chalked up 12 markers and five boards, Stanley Pringle chimed in 12 as well, while center Prince Caperal made the most of his time as a starter as he produced 11 points on 4-of-5 field goal shooting.
“Guys like Aljon and JD really stepped up. Prince stepped up for us; we got a really good second half from Scottie Thompson,” lauded Cone.
JR Quinahan led NLEX with a game-high 26 points in the loss, although he was not able to finish the game after being ejected late in the third quarter for a technical foul, which followed a flagrant foul earlier in the game.
Kevin Alas supplied 16 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Jericho Cruz added 11 points for the Road Warriors.
Ginebra has its sights on going up 2-0 when it battles Blackwater on Thursday, Oct. 15, while NLEX will have another tough test in the form of Magnolia on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Both games are slated at 6:45 p.m.
The Scores:
Ginebra (102) — Mariano 20, Dillinger 12, Thompson 12, Pringle 12, Caperal 11, Chan 11, Devance 11, Aguilar 7, Tolentino 5, Tenorio 1, Aguilar 0, Balanza 0.
NLEX (92) — Quinahan 26, Alas 16, Cruz 11, Porter 9, Soyud 7, Ravena 6, Semerad 5, Miranda 4, Ighalo 3, Galanza 2, Ayonayon 2, Paniamogan 0.
Quarterscores: 31-22, 48-48, 83-75, 102-92.
