Scottie Thompson helps Ginebra put away TNT in Christmas clash

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel turned away a tough challenge from the TNT Tropang Giga, 86-78, in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash on Christmas day at the Smart Coliseum.

Scottie Thompson knocked down two big three-pointers in the last two minutes as Ginebra picked up the big win to improve to 6-3 in the standings. TNT, meanwhile, dropped to 4-5.

Christian Standhardinger led the way with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists while import Tony Bishop tallied 15 markers, 12 boards, and six dimes of his own.

Thompson finished with 12, including eight in the fourth quarter, along with seven rebounds and seven assists.

TNT, which played without an import, was paced by Calvin Oftana, who scored 27 points.

It was a game of runs for the two teams with TNT getting the upper hand early as it jumped out to a 21-13 lead after the first period and Ginebra battling back in the second period with a 9-0 run that tied the game at 30-apiece thanks to buckets by Bishop and Standhardinger and a triple from Maverick Ahanmisi.

The teams entered the halftime break in a 37-37 deadlock.

The Tropang Giga again surged ahead in the third thanks to some long-range shooting from Glenn Khobuntin and Kim Aurin as they took a 61-52 advantage late in the period.

But Ginebra countered with a 10-2 run to start the fourth period, taking a slim 69-67 lead.

Three consecutive baskets from LA Tenorio, Standhardinger, and Thompson allowed them to take 79-74 advantage with 2:57 remaining.

Thompson then closed the game out strong with two big three-pointers. The first made it an 82-76 game with just 1:35 to play. After TNT’s Kelly Williams scored inside the final minute, Thompson’s second trey all but put it away at 85-78 with just 32 seconds left to play.

The scores:
Ginebra 86 - Standhardinger 22, Bishop 15, Thompson 12, Aguilar 11, Ahanmisi 11, Malonzo 7, Pringle 6, Tenorio 2, David 0, Onwubere 0.

TNT 78 - Oftana 27, Ponferada 14, Khobuntin 13, Williams 7, Aurin 6, Montalbo 5, Galinato 4, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Cruz 0, Reyes 0, Tolomia 0.

Quarters: 13-21, 37-37, 59-65, 86-78.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News