By MARK REY MONTEJO
Barangay Ginebra, as expected, went two in a row with a rousing 103-85 win over Blackwater to solidify its playoff run in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo Wednesday, Dec. 10.
After a nip-and-tuck affair in the first frame, the Gin Kings turned on the heat and built a 63-42 spread.
They encountered no trouble from there as they stretched their lead to 98-71 cushion – despite several attempts from the Bossing side.
With its victory, Ginebra tightened its grip at No. 8 spot with a 4-4 win-loss record, while Blackwater slipped further with a 1-8 tally.
RJ Abarrientos led the Kings with 15 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Stephen Holt and Jeremiah Gray scored 12 points each. Scottie Thompson, for his part, had eight points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Joshua David chipped in 11 points, Norbert Torres and Japeth Aguilar added nine and eight points for the Tim Cone-mentored crew.
Dalph Panopio and Sedrick Barefield topped Blackwater’s scoring column with 22 and 17 points, while Abu Tratter delivered 12 points in a losing cause.
Meanwhile, Meralco snapped its two-game slide after an easy 120-87 win over Terrafirma to bolster its playoff bid and remained No. 7 spot.
Coming off two straight losses, the Bolts flexed their might right away and surged to a 59-42 lead heading into the break. Not contended, they broke the game wide open, 111-76, in the fourth period..
CJ Cansino paced the Bolts with 20 points, eight rebounds, and one steal, Chris Banchero and Chris Newsome chipped in 12 points each, while Bong Quinto and Raymond Almazan conspired for 22 points as Meralco improved to 4-4.
Mark Nonoy took charge for Dyip with 22 points, one rebound, four assists, and two steals, while Paolo Hernandez and Mark Sangalang posted 13 points apiece which all went down the drain.
Meralco goes for its second straight triumph when it takes on fellow playoff hopeful Phoenix (3-6) this Friday, Dec. 12, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
On that day, Ginebra tries to extend its win run to three games when it takes on Terrafirma.
Terrafirma, on the other hand, fell at the bottom of the standings with a 1-8 card.
