Ginebra overcomes NLEX for first win in PBA bubble

Barangay Ginebra survived the NLEX Road Warriors, 102-92, on Sunday to record their first win in the Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) bubble in Clark, Pampanga.

Ginebra went on a rampage and led as much as 13, 95-82, with 4:48 remaining on the clock, sparked by a Prince Caperal triple. It was all Ginebra from there, with a Scottie Thompson triple and Jared Dillinger shot sealing the deal for the crowd favorites.

The Road Warriors continued the chase to cut their deficit to three, 82-85, early in the fourth period after being down, 83-75, at the end of the third quarter.  Ginebra led as much as 16, 80-64, at the 2:30 mark of the third period after a deadlock at 48 at the end of the first half.

It was a tight affair early in the game with both teams tied at 19 with around 3 minutes left in the first period. A Stanley Pringle shot sparked Ginebra's run to take the lead at the end of the first 12 minutes of action, 31-22.

We played a lot better than I thought we would, but I still hope we could play a lot better than what we did tonight," Ginebra coach Tim Cone said, as reported by the league's site.

"But it's nice to get that first one against NLEX. I hope this gets off on the right foot, hopefully move us forward and get us to our next game with a little more confidence," he added.

Aljon Mariano registered 20 markers, Scottie Thompson and Jared Dillinger contributed 12 each, while Jeff Chan and Prince Caperal chipped in 11 apiece.

JR Quinahan listed 26 points for NLEX before being ejected late in the third period due to a technical foul. Early in the game, Quinahan was also whistled for a flagrant one.

Kevin Alas made 16 points while Jericho Cruz scored 11.

Ginebra will play again on Thursday against Blackwater while NLEX will try to bounce back against Magnolia on Wednesday.

On Monday, Phoenix will face Meralco at 4 p.m., then Blackwater and Northport at around 6:45 p.m. — Justin Kenneth Carandang/BM, GMA News