Given their overwhelming size compared to their opponents, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel mended their heartbreak from Rain or Shine Elasto Painters exactly a week ago, by venting their frustrations on the Columbian Dyip, 97-85, Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
A second-half pull-away – which saw them lead by as many as 20 points – was all that the Gin Kings needed en route to the win. They improved their card to 2-2, and hiked their position to fourth in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup standings.
“We played better,” said head coach Tim Cone. “Much better overall playing, but we still have a lot more to improve.”
Greg Slaughter led the Barangay with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Joe DeVance produced 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while third-year forward Kevin Ferrer chimed in 13 markers, six boards, and three dimes.
Scottie Thompson was a point shy of a double-double with nine points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
The win served as a good welcome for Jeff Chan, who returned to the fold after recovering from an injury. Chan played for over 20 minutes and collected two points, two assists, and a rebound in his season debut.
But the Barangay were bitten by the injury bug anew, as Japeth Aguilar left the match due to a sprained ankle. He only played for 17 minutes and 48 seconds, but managed to collect 11 markers, seven caroms, and two dimes.
Rookie CJ Perez led Columbian with 25 points and seven boards. Jackson Corpuz supplied 20 points.
The Dyip was still in it in the opening frame, but fell into disarray come the next quarters as the Barangay got their flow on. Kevin Ferrer’s three-pointer propelled Ginebra to a 97-77 lead in the final minutes of the clash.
Ginebra will look to win again versus the Blackwater Elite next Saturday, February 9, in Digos City, Davao Del Sur, while Columbian will take on the Alaska Aces on February 6, Wednesday, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Scores:
Ginebra 97 – Slaughter 22, Devance 15, Ferrer 13, Aguilar 11, Thompson 9, Mercado 9, Dela Cruz 7, Tenorio 5, Mariano 4, Chan 2, Caperal 0, Teodoro 0.
Columbian 85 – Perez 25, Corpuz 20, Camson 9, Khobuntin 7, Agovida 6, McCarthy 5, Reyes 5, Faundo 4, Gabriel 2, Calvo 2, Cahilig 0, Cabrera 0, Escoto 0.
Quarterscores: 27-24, 55-44, 76-59, 97-85.
