MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra returned to its winning ways after obliterating Converge, 85-66, in their PBA Philippine Cup clash Saturday night at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.
After absorbing a close defeat against the NLEX Road Warriors the last time around, the Gin Kings went to Pampanga and snapped Converge’s three-game winning streak.
Japeth Aguilar, who has roots from Sasmuan, led Ginebra with 23 points and 10 rebounds to go with three blocks on 11-of-16 shooting from the field. Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos added 15 and 14 markers, respectively.
Ginebra was leading by three, 13-10, in the opening frame after Converge’s JL delos Santos cut the deficit.
But a 14-3 Gin Kings run capped by a layup by Aguilar pushed Ginebra’s lead to 14, 27-13, in the second quarter.
From then on, it was all Gin Kings.
After trailing by as much as 19 points, Converge sliced the deficit to 10, 62-72, with 7:19 remaining after a 3-pointer by MJ Garcia.
But a massive 13-4 run to end the game pulled Ginebra away for good.
Stephen Holt added 12 markers, five dimes and four boards for Ginebra, while Jamie Malonzo filled up the statsheet with nine points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal.
Justine Baltazar, who is a pride of Mabalacat, Pampanga, led Converge with 13 points and 10 rebounds to go with two blocks and a steal on 6-of-13 shooting. Garcia added 12 points.
Justin Arana and Stockton both struggled from the field. The former had nine points and 11 rebounds on a 2-of-11 clip, while the latter had eight markers on 2-of-10 shooting.
Ginebra, who now holds a 3-3 win-loss record, will be back in action on Wednesday against the Blackwater Bossing, while the 4-3 Converge will take on the NorthPort Batang Pier next Friday.