Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel made up for occasional wrench in gears and ran away with a 111-108 overtime victory over the GlobalPort Batang Pier in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday (June 3).
Import Orlando Johnson was in tow, erupting for 34 points to go with 13 rebounds and six assists for the Gin Kings.
But it was Japeth Aguilar who shone the brightest in the dying moments, blocking a three-point attempt by Keith Jensen and munching a pair of free throws on the other end to give Ginebra its third victory in the season-ending conference.
Aguilar scored 18 points and collared 13 boards in the process.
“It’s all about effort,” said Ginebra coach Frankie Lim, whose team improved to a 3-4 win-loss record.
“It’s a big game for us. Kung natalo pa kami talagang lubog na kami, mahirap na makabalik. But now we’re given a new lease on life with a chance to make it to the next round.”
New Ginebra Asian import Kim Jiwan, who replaced Sanchir Tungalag, made a good account of himself with 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
His counterpart, Omar Krayem, dropped 19 points including the booming triple that sent the game into overtime.
GlobalPort import Jarrid Famous sizzled with 39 points and 28 rebounds but failed to help his team get over the hump.
