It was Christian Standhardinger, though, who starred for Ginebra in the much-needed win in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
The return of Scottie Thompson brought good fortunes for Ginebra as the Gin Kings arrested a two-game slide and blasted Blackwater, 105-86 in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Friday, April 12 at the PhilSports Arena.
Ginebra turned it up in the second period and built a comfortable 59-40 advantage at the break, which they held on to before chalking up its fourth win in seven games.
Despite coming from a nagging back injury, the former MVP still finished with four points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in almost 27 minutes of play.
It was Christian Standhardinger, though, who carried the bulk of the load for the Gin Kings with 33 points, six rebounds, five assists, and a block.
Standhardinger conspired with Ralph Cu, who fired from deep to spark a 9-0 in the third period where the Gin Kings built a comfortable 87-57 cushion and held on to lead throughout the game.
Cu fired four triples, all in the penultimate period, on his way to 14 points.
Maverick Ahamisi had 14 points and three rebounds. Jamie Malonzo added 11 points and five boards. Both players also dished two assists apiece.
“Tonight is a good jumping off point for us. It’s been a tough week after coming off two losses. None of us were feeling good about that,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
“But I felt that guys put their whatever, their anger, whatever they had, into the game and got themselves prepared and played a really good game.”
James Kwekuteye paced Blackwater with 20 points spiked by four treys, while Justin Chua put up a sterling 17-point and 10-rebound outing that went for naught.
After an impressive 3-0 start to the conference, the Bossing absorbed their fourth straight loss.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 105 – Standhardinger 33, Cu 14, Ahanmisi 14, Malonzo 11, J.Aguilar 9, Pinto 6, Pringle 6, Thompson 4, Onwubere 4, David 2, Gumaru 2, Pessumal 0, Tenorio 0.
BLACKWATER 86 – Kwekuteye 20, Chua 17, Rosario 12, Escoto 8, Suerte 6, Guinto 4, Ilagan 3, Tungcab 3, Hill 2, David 1, Casio 0Jopia 0.
Quarterscores: 29-21, 59-40, 87-61, 105-86