Cone lauds ‘best game’ from Ginebra in 28-point blowout of Rain or Shine

ANTIPOLO, Philippines – There were a few bumps here and there, but Barangay Ginebra finally flexed its might in what head coach Tim Cone described as the Gin Kings’ “best game” of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Gin Kings posted their biggest winning margin of the conference by way of a 120-92 mauling of Rain or Shine at the Ynares Center on Wednesday, January 22.

Scottie Thompson netted 22 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds as Ginebra regained its bearings after losing twice in its three previous games to improve to 7-4 and climb to sixth with one more elimination-round game to play.

“We hadn’t put a good game together this conference and tonight was one of those games where everything came together. We played well defensively, we executed really well offensively, and we shot the ball well,” said Cone.

“It was really our best game of the conference and it couldn’t come at a better time right now when we’re struggling to get into that top six position and getting ready for the playoffs.”

Venting their ire on the Elasto Painters after bowing to TNT anew in their first encounter since the Governors’ Cup finals, the Gin Kings built a sizable 66-45 halftime lead and never looked back.

Ginebra shot nearly 53% from the field while limiting Rain or Shine to only 40% and won the battle in rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals.

“Really pleased with the effort everybody had tonight. We’re all disappointed about losing to Talk N Text again after losing to them in the finals last conference,” said Cone.

“I think everybody had a chip on their shoulder tonight and I just hope we can continue to keep that chip there as we move forward.”

Justin Brownlee paced the Gin Kings in scoring with 29 points on top of 13 rebounds and 6 assists, while Troy Rosario chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds, with 7 of his boards coming on the offensive end.

RJ Abarrientos and Japeth Aguilar put up 14 and 12 points, respectively, as Ginebra boosted its chances of avoiding a twice-to-win disadvantage in the finals.

The eighth and seventh seeds will need to win twice against the No. 1 and 2 teams, respectively, while the third to sixth seeds will duke it out in a pair of best-of-three quarterfinals.

Import Deon Marshall had 23 points and 15 rebounds for the Elasto Painters, who lost three of their last four games and dropped to 6-4 for the seventh spot.

Anton Asistio and Adrian Nocum added 14 and 13 points, respectively, in the loss.

The Scores

Barangay Ginebra 120 – Brownlee 29, Thompson 22, Rosario 14, Abarrientos 14, J. Aguilar 12, Malonzo 9, Holt 8, R. Aguilar 4, Mariano 3, Pessumal 3, Ahanmisi 2, Pinto 0, Adamos 0, Cu 0.

Rain or Shine 92 – D. Thompson 23, Asistio 14, Nocum 13, Clarito 12, Tiongson 7, Belga 7, Caracut 6, Malonzo 4, Lemetti 3, Demusis 2, Santillan 1, Norwood 0, Datu 0

Quarters: 30-23, 66-45, 91-72, 120-92.

– Rappler.com