December 22, 2024

PBA: Christian Standhardinger, Ginebra win 'Manila Clasico' battle over Magnolia, clinch first semis berth

PBA: Christian Standhardinger, Ginebra win
Photo (c) PBA

Ginebra seized control early as it cruised to a 99-77 romp over Magnolia and claimed the first semifinals seat in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Saturday, May 11. 

The Gin Kings raced off to a 28-17 start, and, since then, there was nothing the Hotshots could do to turn things around. 

Ginebra, which used its twice-to-beat advantage to the hilt, now awaits the winner between Meralco and NLEX. The Bolts drew first blood against the Road Warriors in their best-of-three quarterfinal clash.

[ALSO READ: PBA: Meralco overcomes Robert Bolick's 48-point explosion for NLEX, gains head start in playoff clash]

Christian Standhardinger had a lot to do with the Gin Kings' fluid start, unleashing 17 of his 36 points - his highest in a Ginebra uniform - in the first 24 minutes of action to help them take a 52-36 advantage heading to the break.

 

The beating did not stop there.

With a balanced attack, the Gin Kings even stretched their lead to 23 points, 75-52, on a Standhardinger jumper with still 2:52 left in the third period.

[ALSO READ: PBA: Isaac Go, Terrafirma shock San Miguel, notch first playoff win in franchise history]

At the 9:22 mark of the fourth, Maverick Ahanmisi launched a triple that gave Ginebra an 85-60 cushion which it never relinquished.

"We have a lot of respect for Magnolia. We knew we had to come out to play a great game," said Gin Kings coach Tim Cone.

"The guys came out aggressively and did a great job on the defensive side."

 

[ALSO READ: PBA: Terrafirma big man Isaac Go embraces challenge of facing San Miguel's 7-time MVP June Mar Fajardo]

Standhardinger, who also registered 11 rebounds, five assists and a steal, drew a lot of help from the rest of the starting unit.

Ahanmisi churned out 16 points, six rebounds and three assists while Japeth Aguilar and Ralph Cu chipped in 12 and 11 markers, respectively.

Scottie Thompson put up an all-around outing of 11 points, 10 assists, seven steals, six boards and a block. 

Mark Barroca tried to carry the Hotshots on his shoulders as he came through with 19 points, eight assists, six rebounds and a steal, but his efforts went down the drain in the face of an in-form Gin Kings.

Aris Dionisio added 10 points anchored on three triples.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 99 – Standhardinger 26, Ahanmisi 16, J.Aguilar 12, Thompson 11, Cu 11, Pringle 6, Gumaru 3, Pinto 2, David 2, Onwubere 0, R.Aguilar 0, Pessumal 0, Tenorio 0, Murrell 0

MAGNOLIA 77 – Barroca 19, Dionisio 10, Sangalang 8, Tratter 8, Abueva 8, Mendoza 7, Lee 6, Laput 4, Balanza 3, Dela Rosa 2, Ahanmis 2, Reavis 0, Jalalon 0, Eriobu 0

Quarterscores: 28-17, 52-36, 80-58, 99-77

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