Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6) – Defending PBA Governors’ Cup champions Barangay Ginebra flashed their never-say-die attitude in the fourth quarter to carve out a 104-93 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Justin Brownlee led Ginebra in scoring with 25 points, but the locals shone offensively in the game with Christian Standhardinger notching 20 points, and Jeff Chan and Scottie Thompson both chipping in 15 points each.
The two teams exchanged leads in the first half, but Rain or Shine mounted a scoring run late in the third quarter for a 77-73 lead.
The Elasto Pointers were poised to win the game with a six-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the Gin Kings stole the momentum with Brownlee and Chan making the most of their shots.
Ginebra’s defensive plays were also successful in limiting Rain or Shine to just four points in the last seven minutes of the game, while establishing a double-digit advantage near the final buzzer to the delight of the fans.
“It’s the first time that we have been able to grind out a win this whole conference, relying on our defense more than our offense. I’m really proud of our guys for really grinding it out. This is the way you got to play in the playoffs and this is what we’re preparing for,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, who finished the conference with a 6-5 slate and secured a quarterfinals berth.
Henry Walker topscored for the Elasto Painters with 34 points, as the Chris Gavina-mentored squad exited the Governors’ Cup with a 3-8 record.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 104 – Brownlee 25, Standhardinger 20, Thompson 15, Chan 15, J.Aguilar 10, Tenorio 9, Pinto 6, Onwubere 4, Tolentino 0
RAIN OR SHINE 93 – Walker 34, Caracut 12, Belga 12, Mocon 8, Borboran 7, Ponferada 7, Nieto 5, Nambatac 4, Norwood 2, Guinto 2, Torres 0, Asistio 0, Jackson 0
Quarterscores: 20-23, 50-41, 73-77, 104-93
