Behind Ralph Cu's big game, Ginebra has won back-to-back to improve to 5-3 in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
Ralph Cu put up season-highs in points, rebounds, and assists as Ginebra got the better of NorthPort, 95-88, in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Sunday, April 14, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Cu scored 24 points built on six triples, including one at the 3:55 mark in the fourth period that gave the team an 88-85 lead, which set up the finishing blows from Jamie Malonzo and Christian Standhardinger for the Ginebra victory.
He also had 10 rebounds and nine assists, as the Gin Kings rose to a 5-3 win-loss record while the Batang Pier dropped to 4-3.
"I'm just trying to make the most of the opportunity na binbigay sakin ni coach Tim Cone," said Cu after the match.
After Fran Yu tied the count at 85-all, Cu uncorked a booming three ball that ignited a mini 7-to-nothing run, capped by a Christian Standhardinger undergoal stab for a 92-85 cushion with 1:45 left.
William Navarro tried to will his team back and unloaded a triple of his own to keep his team afloat, 92-88.
But Ginebra proved experience trumps youth down the stretch and the Gin Kings held the fort until the final buzzer.
Standhardinger churned out team-high 25 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while Maverick Ahanmisi contributed 13 points, five boards, and five assists for Ginebra.
Jamie Malonzo fired 14 points, but appeared to tweak something as he went for a drive in the final 10 seconds.
Arvin Tolentino led the way for the Batang Pier with 19 points and seven rebounds.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 95 – Standhardinger 25, Cu 24, malonzo 14, Ahanmisi 13, Thompson 10, J.Aguilar 4, David 3, Pringle 2, Tenorio 0, Pinto 0, Onwubere 0.
NORTHPORT 88 – Tolentino 19, Munzon 12, Navarro 12, Bulanadi 11, Yu 8, Amores 7, Zamar 6, Calma 4, Lucero 4, Cuntapay 3, Flores 2, Rosales 0, Paraiso 0.
Quarterscores: 30-21, 43-53, 73-70, 95-88