Ginebra clinches top spot with romp vs Terrafirma

Barangay Ginebra banked on a furious 2nd-quarter surge to crush the Terrafirma Dyip, 102-80, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga on Monday, November 9. 

With the victory, the Gin Kings, who fell to the San Miguel Beermen a day before, secured the top spot in the standings, as well as a twice-to-beat incentive going into the quarterfinals.

Leading by only 3 points, 26-23, at the end of the opening period, the Gin Kings unleashed a massive 35-14 run in the 2nd quarter to lead by 24, 61-37, at halftime. 

Terrafirma narrowed the gap to just 8, 65-73, after back-to-back triples from Reden Celda late in the 3rd period, but the lead Ginebra built in the first half proved too much for the Dyip to overcome in the end. 

Japeth Aguilar shot a perfect 10-of-10 clip from the field and finished with 21 points and 7 rebounds, while Scottie Thompson flirted with a triple-double of 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists for the Gin Kings, who notched their eighth win in 11 outings. 

CJ Perez and Juami Tiongson scored 16 points apiece for the hapless Terrafirma, which dropped to 1-9 and stayed at the bottom of the team standings. 

The Scores

Ginebra 102 – Aguilar 21, Mariano 17, Pringle 14, Thompson 13, Chan 9, Caperal 9, Tenorio 8, Dillinger 5, Dela Cruz 4, Tolentino 2, Balanza 0.

Terrafirma 80 – Perez 16, Tiongson 16, Ramos 15, Celda 8, Camson 8, Cahilig 6, Khobuntin 5, Calvo 4, Faundo 2, Batiller 0, Balagasay 0, Agovida 0, Gabayni 0. 

Quarters: 26-23, 61-37, 77-67, 102-80.

– Martin Mendoza/Rappler.com