MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra rallied in the second half to secure a hard-fought victory against Magnolia, their sister team and fierce rival, with a final score of 87-77 during the Easter Sunday night game of the PBA Philippine Cup doubleheader.
Maverick Ahanmisi played a pivotal role in the win, contributing 16 points, including a crucial three-pointer with just 36.3 seconds left on the clock. This shot helped stave off a late Hotshots surge and ensured the Gin Kings emerged victorious, improving their standing to 3-1 in the tournament.
Tim Cone, the coach of Ginebra, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup schedule. He praised the players for bouncing back after a difficult loss against Meralco and emphasized their dedication to their fans and their performance. Cone commended the team’s focus and stated that their recent victory showcased the level of commitment they aim to maintain consistently.
Stanley Pringle led Ginebra with 17 points, supported by Japeth Aguilar with 16, and contributions of 11 points each from Jamie Malonzo and Christian Standhardinger. Ginebra, missing the services of key player Scottie Thompson, displayed a solid team effort in their recent game.
On the opposing side, Magnolia relied on Ian Sangalang’s 17 points, with Jio Jalalon, Mark Barroca, and Paul Lee also contributing at least 11 points each. Despite their efforts, Magnolia, under the guidance of Chito Victolero, faced a defeat that brought their record to 1-1 for the season.
The win for Ginebra marked a significant milestone, being their 100th victory against the Purefoods franchise. However, Purefoods maintains a slight historical advantage with 104 wins in their longstanding rivalry.
Looking ahead, Ginebra is set to face another team from the same corporation, San Miguel, in an upcoming match scheduled for this Friday. Meanwhile, Magnolia will take on NLEX at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila, this Saturday as part of the league’s fixtures.
Game Recap: Barangay Ginebra Outplays Magnolia, 87-77
In a thrilling basketball showdown, Barangay Ginebra emerged victorious against Magnolia with a final score of 87-77. The game showcased intense performances from both teams, but Ginebra’s cohesive play and individual brilliance sealed the win for them.
Ginebra’s scoring was led by Stanley Pringle, who contributed 17 points to the team’s tally. He was well-supported by Maverick Ahanmisi and Japeth Aguilar, who both scored 16 points each. Moreover, the duo of Kenet Malonzo and Christian Standhardinger added 11 points apiece, further strengthening Ginebra’s offensive firepower. Other notable contributors for Ginebra were Onwubere with 8 points, Tenorio with 5 points, and Pinto with 3 points, while David didn’t score in this game.
On the other side, Magnolia fought hard with Ian Sangalang leading their scoring efforts with 17 points. Jalalon and Lee also made significant contributions with 15 and 12 points, respectively. Barroca added 11 points, while Tratter chipped in 10 points for Magnolia. Despite their efforts, Magnolia fell short as Ginebra’s defense proved to be resilient.
The game’s quarterscores reflected the intensity of the match: 17-18, 37-40, 60-56, and finally, 87-77 in favor of Barangay Ginebra. The closely contested quarters highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, making it an exhilarating contest for basketball fans.
Overall, Barangay Ginebra’s balanced scoring and solid defensive efforts secured their victory against a tough Magnolia squad, showcasing their determination and skill on the basketball court.