PBA GOVERNOR’S CUP: Barangay Ginebra blasts NLEX to return to winning column

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel scored a huge bounce-back win over the NLEX Road Warriors, 119-91, in the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup on September 3, 2024, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After a disappointing loss at the hands of the Blackwater Bossing several days ago, the Gin Kings vented their ire on the Road Warriors to improve their win-loss record to 2-2.

Ginebra wasted no time exposing NLEX’s interior and pummeled their way inside the shaded lane to build an early 13-point advantage after the end of the first 12 minutes, 36-23.

Unlike their past outing against Blackwater where they settled for jumpers instead of attacking the rim, head coach Tim Cone emphasized to his guys that using their size advantage can put NLEX in early foul trouble.

That move then paid off dividends as NLEX underwent an early personnel reshuffle due to early fouls their frontcourt committed.

Without their usual rotation, NLEX head coach Jong Uichico had no choice but to stick with his bench guys to preserve their starters’ foul limit.

However, the result didn’t favor NLEX as Justin Brownlee, RJ Abarrientos, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Japeth Aguilar torched them, schooling every defender thrown at them that steered Ginebra to a commanding cushion after three quarters.

NLEX tried to chip away their deficit in the final frame but catching up to Ginebra’s massive lead was too much for them to handle.

Stephen Holt was a revelation for the Gin Kings as he wrapped up the win with his best performance of the import-laced conference so far.

The former franchise player of the Terrafirma Dyip led Ginebra in scoring, tallying 26 points built from an efficient 11/19 shooting from the field.

The combo forward who can play all positions also had an all-around game as he grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out six assists.

Ahanmisi backstopped Holt with 20 markers, eight boards, and four dimes while Thompson chipped in 19 points, five assists, three rebounds, three steals, and a block.

Ginebra will look to grab their first-ever winning streak of the Governor’s Cup on September 6, 2024, against the Phoenix Fuel Masters Super LPG.