Photo credit: PBA Media Bureau
Barangay Ginebra (6-3) defeated the import-less TNT Tropang GIGA (4-5), 86-78, to secure their sixth win and two straight victory in the 2023-24 PBA Commissioner's Cup on Christmas Day, December 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In his second game back from injury, Scottie Thompson hit crucial three-pointers in the final two minutes, enabling the Kings to overcome the Tropang Giga. Despite the absence of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and ace guard Jayson Castro, the Tropang Giga put up a tough challenge.
Christian Standhardinger led Ginebra in scoring with a double-double of 22 points (9/14FG), 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Tony Bishop Jr. also had his own double-double of 15 points (5/8FG), 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and a block while Scottie Thompson finished with 12 points (2/3 3pts), along with 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and a steal. Maverick Ahanmisi and Japeth Aguilar each added 11 points.
According to Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is out for the conference, and his older brother Rahlir is stepping in as his replacement. “Hindi na puwedeng bumalik si Rondae because he is injured. We are putting in Rahlir, his brother. He is very fragile. He cannot turn his neck and I talked to his doctor yesterday and ‘yung injury na spinal cord na ganun, you don’t take it lightly. Even if wala nang pain, it’s a physical game. It can be jarred again and re-injure that neck again. We are going the conservative part and protect Rondae’s career.” coach Jojo Lastimosa said.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 86 - Standhardinger 22, Bishop 15, Thompson 12, J. Aguilar 11, Ahanmisi 11, Malonzo 7, Pringle 6, Tenorio 2, David 0, Onwubere 0.
TNT 78 – Oftana 27, Ponferrada 14, Khobuntin 13, Williams 7, Aurin 6, Montalbo 5, Galinato 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Cruz 0, Tolomia 0, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 13-21, 37-37, 59-65, 86-78. [GAME STATS] | [GAME HIGHLIGHTS] | [JORDAN]
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