PBA: Barangay Ginebra routs Meralco, evens series to 2-2

Barangay Ginebra relied on a strong start to rout Meralco in Game 4, 90-71, and even their PBA Philippine Cup semis series on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ginebra exploded for 31 points against Meralco's 15 in the opening period before it pulled away and ended the first half with a 47-32 advantage.

Meralco cut its deficit to ten early in the third period but Ginebra regained momentum and led by 27 points, 87-60, with 6:39 left in the fourth period before claiming the victory.

"As bad as we played last game, we played that good this game. I just felt the energy was so much better," Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said as they bounced back from an 87-80 loss in Game 3. 

Japeth Aguilar had 21 points and six rebounds, while Christian Standhardinger had 15 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Scottie Thompson also had 15 points, while Stanley Pringle had 14 points for Barangay Ginebra. LA Tenorio, meanwhile, had seven points, six assists, and four rebounds.

Chris Banchero and Allein Maliksi had 14 points for the Bolts.

Scores:

Ginebra 90 – J.Aguilar 21, Thompson 15, Standhardinger 15, Pringle 14, Ahanmisi 7, Tenorio 7, Pinto 4, Cu 3, Gumaru 3, Murrell 1, Pessumal 0R. Aguilar 0, David 0.

Meralco 71 – Banchero 14, Maliksi 14, Newsome 10, Caram 8, Hodge 6, Mendoza 5, Torres 4, Quinto 3, Bates 3, Almazan 2, Pascual 2, Jose 0, Rios 0, Dario 0, Pasaol 0.

Quarters: 31-15, 47-32, 73-49, 90-71.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News