Ginebra snaps 2-game losing skid
Barangay Ginebra drew big games from RJ Abarrientos and new import Jordan Murphy to roll past Rain or Shine, 129-111, to end its two-game losing skid in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.
Abarrientos sizzled with a game-high 34 points, highlighted by six triples, to go along with nine assists.
Murphy, taking over from Riley Grigsby, scored 30 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and issued seven assists, along with four blocks in an all-around PBA debut as Ginebra avenged its 110-99 loss to Rain or Shine in their first meeting.
The Gin Kings opened the game with a 40-19 lead, stretched it to 27 points by halftime and led by as many as 67-34 en route to moving to a tie at fourth place with Blackwater with a 3-4 win-loss slate.
Rain or Shine saw its four-game winning streak come to an end, dropping to 4-3, and allowing Magnolia to grab the lead in Group B with a 5-3 win-loss slate.
The Hotshots won earlier in the day, 107-101, after beating the Bossing.
“I think that we just were a little desperate, played with a little desperation tonight being at the bottom of the team standings,” said Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone. “That’s not something that we are never used to. The players aren’t used to it. Certainly, the fans aren’t used to it.”
Aaron Fuller led Rain or Shine with 23 points and 13 rebounds for Rain or Shine, but he also had nine turnovers.
