WHATEVER the problem is with Converge’s significance, If there is a Jamaal Franklin, Barangay Ginebra has been going about its normal business.
Gin Kings defy odds, move into tie for second place in PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations
The Gin Kings continued to defy odds on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, beating the FiberXers 120-101 to move into a tie for second place with the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations.
Ginebra ran over a Converge team without their import, as Jamie Malonzo scored 29, Justin Brownlee added 28, and Christian Standhardinger dropped in 28 of his own.
Franklin, who entered the game as one of the tournament’s most productive imports, scored a paltry four points on five field goal attempts.
Taking care of business, the Kings have won four in a row and are now tied with the second-place Beermen at 7-2. Both teams have excellent chances of finishing in the top four and earning a twice-to-beat incentive for the quarterfinals.
In the meantime, the FiberXers were eliminated from playoff contention after suffering their third consecutive loss and finishing with a 6-5 record in the preliminary round.
“We remarked upon the significance of the match. And Tim Cone, our coach, just told us to maintain our pace “Malonzo, who played in his fourth game in seven nights (including his game with Gilas against Jordan on Monday), said that his big performance was amazing.
The highly athletic forward contributed 29 points (10-of-15 shooting), eight boards (eight for himself), and five assists (five for his teammates), all while playing 35:36 total minutes.
The Ginebra resident import Brownlee scored 28 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 7 assists, while the Fil-German big man, Christian Standhardinger, scored 28 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists.
The performance of Cone’s entire team wowed him.
“Things have been absolutely insane for us. It’s incredible to see the guys step up time and time again and keep digging “Cone remarked on the team’s prolific win total while missing stars like Japeth Aguilar and LA Tenorio.
With Aguilar out of the picture, Standhardinger has been performing at a whole new level, and this has been noted by both Standhardinger and Cone. “It speaks volumes about the guys and the team as a whole,” Cone said.
The Kings have won four in a row, with a 4-0 record, after outscoring the FiberXers in every period of play. (SB)
The Result:
Malonzo 29, Brownlee 28, Standhardinger 28, Gray 16, Thompson 5, Pinto 4, R.Aguilar 4, Pringle 3, Onwubere 3, Pessumal 0, Dillinger 0; Ginebra 120.
For the 101st Converge game, Ahanmisi scored 24, Teng 12, Murrell 11, Arana 11, Stockton 10, Tratter 9, Racal 7, Balanza 7, Franklin 4, Ebona 3, and Tolomia 3 each.
Final Thought
The Barangay Ginebra Kings’ win over the Converge FiberXers is a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to overcome obstacles. Even without key players, the Kings were able to secure a crucial victory and tie with the San Miguel Beermen for second place in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations.
The team’s depth and character have been evident in their four-game winning streak, making them a strong contender for PBA Governors Cup Betting. Their chances of finishing in the top four and earning a twice-to-beat advantage for the quarterfinals are looking good. The Kings’ performance is an inspiration to never give up and keep pushing forward, no matter what challenges come their way.
Quarters: 29-24, 64-55, 93-78, 120-101
