(PBA image)
Barangay Ginebra rediscovered its winning form in emphatic fashion, snapping a three-game skid with a 104-74 demolition of the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Sunday night at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
Japeth Aguilar powered the Gin Kings with his best game of the conference, pouring in 25 points on an efficient 11-of-16 shooting, along with five rebounds, an assist, and a block. From the opening tip, Ginebra showed urgency, racing to an 11-0 start and never looking back to secure its second win in five outings.
The blowout halted Ginebra’s slide while dragging NLEX down from the top spot at 4-2. The Road Warriors’ defeat created a three-way tie for the lead among TNT Tropang 5G, Magnolia Hotshots, and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, all sporting identical 4-1 cards.
Stephen Holt added 20 points while anchoring Ginebra’s defense that silenced NLEX star Robert Bolick to just four markers. Scottie Thompson, Jeremiah Gray, and Troy Rosario provided steady support in the all-around effort that left NLEX reeling without injured forward Tony Semerad.
“It started with our defense. That’s what we really focused on,” said Aguilar. “We believed that if we kept working hard, things would eventually turn around.”
Coach Tim Cone echoed that sentiment, pleased with how his squad bounced back after lackluster performances in losses to Magnolia, Meralco, and San Miguel. “We played better defense and finally shot the ball well,” said Cone, as Ginebra hit 52 percent from the field compared to its previous 37-percent average.
The Gin Kings built a 26-11 cushion in the opening period, weathered a mild second-quarter lull, then blew the game wide open with a dominant 64-41 second-half surge that left NLEX in shambles by the final buzzer.
The win not only stopped the bleeding for the crowd favorites but also reminded everyone that Ginebra’s championship pedigree remains very much alive halfway through the eliminations.