PBA: Ginebra regains winning ways, escapes Magnolia in Manila Clasico showdown

Barangay Ginebra made good use of the two-week break as it rediscovered its winning formula after pulling off an 87-77 escape against rival Magnolia in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings improved to 3-1 to cop their historic 100th win in the 35-season Manila Clasico rivalry and recover from a tough loss to Meralco last March 15 that saw them absorb a 91-73 beating. 

The Hotshots, meanwhile, slid to 1-1 after opening their campaign with a 106-75 triumph over Converge. 

Ginebra head coach Tim Cone turned to many heroes with all their starters putting together double digit performance led by the 17-point outing from Stanley Pringle, who also grabbed six assists and one steal. 

Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi stepped up with 16 markers apiece with the latter delivering the dagger three-pointer that sent the Gin Kings to an 84-75 separation with 36 seconds left. 

Christian Standhardinger, whose three straight points sealed the win for Ginebra, finished with a double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds while Jamie Malonzo chimed in with 11 points as well. 

Ginebra is still missing the services of main guard Scottie Thompson, who is still recovering from a back injury he sustained from the previous conference. 

Despite the absence of their top playmaker, Ginebra was still on point for almost the entire game. 

However, they had to weather the onslaught from the Magnolia backcourt led by Jio Jalalon, Paul Lee, and Mark Barroca, who combined for 38 points while big men Ian Sangalang and Abu Tratter churned out 17 and 10 markers apiece. 

Scores:

Ginebra 87 – Pringle 17, M. Ahanmisi 16, J.Aguilar 16, Malonzo 11, Standhardinger 11, Onwubere 8, Tenorio 5, Pinto 3, David 0.

Magnolia 77 – Sangalang 17, Jalalon 15, Lee 12, Barroca 11, Tratter 10, Abueva 4, Mendoza 3, Corpuz 3, Laput 2, Escoto 0, Ahanmisi 0, Reavis 0, Eriobu 0.

Quarters: 17-18, 37-40, 60-56, 87-77.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News