Jamie Malonzo returns as Barangay Ginebra blows out Blackwater

Jamie Malonzo returned from a calf injury that had sidelined him since April 2024, helping Barangay Ginebra to dominate Blackwater, 86-63, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

The 6-foot-7 wingman made huge contributions during their third quarter breakaway en route to the victory that allowed the Gin Kings to bounce back from a previous loss to NorthPort and improve to 6-3. 

The Bossing absorbed their fourth straight loss to go 1-7. 

"For Jamie himself, it's been a long long road for him and we've watched him from the sides and the work he's done," Ginebra coach Tim Cone said. 

"We had minute restrictions on him, we'll try to continue to monitor his minutes for the next few games. Hopefully, they'll increase incrementally as the games come along."

Just carrying a 39-32 lead at the halftime, Ginebra unleashed a 23-9 run capped by a Malonzo dunk off a Scottie Thompson assist in the 2:37 mark of the third period. 

Malonzo then got an and-one before sinking a pair of free throws to give Ginebra a 66-45 cushion heading to the payoff period. 

The Bossing, though, retaliated by mounting a 13-2 rampage to turn a 75-50 deficit to just a 77-63 disadvantage thanks to a triple each from Christian David and Mike Ayonayon and a four-pointer from George King with 4:26 to go. 

Ginebra, however, flaunted its depth in the endgame with the likes of Von Pessumal and Japeth Aguilar putting on the finishing kick. 

Justin Brownlee led the way for Ginebra with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block while RJ Abarrientos chipped in 15 markers, two boards, and one dime. 

Malonzo, who has missed 44 games before today, finished with eight points in almost 11 minutes of action. 

King, for his part, churned out 27 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block while Jaydee Tungcab posted 10 markers as they continued to miss the services of Sedrick Barefield. 

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 86 – Brownlee 18, Abarrientos 15, J.Aguilar 10, Ahanmisi 9, Malonzo 8, Holt 8, Rosario 8, Thompson 5, Pessumal 5, Cu 0, Mariano 0, Adamos 0, Pinto 0.

Blackwater 63 – King 27, Tungcab 10, Suerte 9, David 5, Kwekuteye 4, Ponferrada 3, Guinto 2, Montalbo 0, Chua 0, Corteza 0, Hill 0, Casio 0, Jopia 0, Escoto 0.

Quarters:  19-13, 39-32, 66-45, 86-63.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News