Jeremiah Gray played his best game to date as Ginebra came from behind and ended NLEX’s unbeaten four-game winning streak, 114-111, in the PBA Governors’ Cup, Wednesday night at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The rookie guard finished with 19 points, including nine in the Kings’ 13-3 run to close the game out as the defending champions completed the rally after being down by as much as 12 points, 100-88, early in the final period.
Gray’s exploits spoiled the debut of Wayne Selden Jr., who finished with 43 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists for the Road Warriors.
“Miah is having a coming-out party this conference. Last game, I thought he was brilliant, and tonight he was even more brilliant. So, he’s starting to show what he can do,” lauded head coach Tim Cone.
Justin Brownlee led the Kings with a game-high 44 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists for their second win in as many outings.
Scottie Thompson made 12 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists, while Stanley Pringle added 10 for a side that pulled through despite losing Japeth Aguilar during the match, where they didn’t have Christian Standhardinger.
Both big men are nursing injuries but Cone found an effective sub for the two in Raymond Aguilar, who was part of the closing five to help complete the rally. He finished with five rebounds and an assist in eight minutes.
And that lone dime of him was crucial, for it led to Gray’s triple that sparked their finishing rally on the way to dealing NLEX its first loss.
“It was really pleasing to see Raymond go out there and do the things he does well. He rebounded well, he dove after loose balls, and he just stayed within himself and did his job,” lauded the owner of 25 titles.
Ginebra will look to make it three straight against the still-winless NorthPort (0-4) on Friday, 5:45 p.m., at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Kevin Alas, meanwhile, had 22 points and six rebounds for NLEX, who held a 108-101 lead with 2:10 left only to blow it.
Put to naught by the defeat was the performance of Brandon Rosser, who finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks.
Following the loss, NLEX is now in a three-way tie at the third spot of the team standings with sister team TNT and Converge.
The Road Warriors won’t play until February 16, when they will be taking on Magnolia also at the Big Dome. Tip-off is at 5:45 p.m.
The Scores:
Ginebra 114 – Brownlee 44, Gray 19, Thompson 12, Pringle 10, Malonzo 9, J. Aguilar 9, Pinto 8, Tenorio 3, Pessumal 0, R. Aguilar 0, Mariano 0.
NLEX 111 – Selden Jr. 43, Alas 22, Ganuelas-Rosser 19, Rosales 10, Trollano 6, Semerad 6, Gabo 3, Anthony 2, Pascual 0, Doliguez 0.
Quarterscores: 28-25, 59-55, 84-92, 114-111
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
