MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra sent NLEX crashing back to earth and gave Troy Rosario a triumphant welcome with a 109-100 win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, December 11.
Stephen Holt powered a third-quarter turnaround and posted 26 points as the Gin Kings — fresh from a runner-up finish in the Governors’ Cup — won their first game and snapped the Road Warriors’ three-game winning streak.
NLEX led 43-42 at halftime before Holt caught fire, scattering 20 points on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting, including a 5-of-5 clip from three-point distance, in the third quarter to help Ginebra build a 78-66 lead.
The Gin Kings cruised the rest of the way as they marked a new beginning following the addition of Rosario, who put up 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in his Ginebra debut.
“I’m hungry. This group is hungry. We have the blueprint to get to the finals,” said Holt. “I’m very confident in this group. I know we have a tremendous road ahead of us. So much growth, I know what we can achieve.”
Back for another tour of duty with the Gin Kings, Justin Brownlee delivered 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, while Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi scored 15 and 13 points, respectively, and combined for 12 rebounds.
Scottie Thompson flirted with a triple-double in the win with 8 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals.
The Ginebra defense limited NLEX star Robert Bolick to just 18 points on 4-of-12 shooting after his 39-point explosion in a 104-99 win over San Miguel on Sunday, December 8.
Import Mike Watkins produced 27 points and 21 rebounds to pace the Road Warriors, who dropped to 3-2.
The Scores
Barangay Ginebra 109 – Holt 26, Brownlee 24, J. Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 13, Rosario 9, Thompson 8, Abarrientos 6, Cu 6, Adamos 2, Pinto 0.
NLEX 100 – Watkins 27, Bolick 18, Alas 14, Policarpio 13, Valdez 11, Torres 5, Semerad 4, Herndon 4, Rodger 2, Bahio 2, Mocon 0.
Quarters: 20-22, 42-43, 78-66, 109-100.
– Rappler.com