Bishop, Ahanmisi lead Ginebra to 3rd win

By Robert Andaya

BARANGAY Ginebra overcame a lethargic start before escaping with a hard-earned  90-87 victory over Blackwater in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Import Tony Bishop, Maverick Ahanmisi  and Christian Standhardinger played  pivotal roles in  the Kings’ dramatic comeback from an early 17-point deficit and a tough defensive stand in the closing minutes to repulse  the Bossing’s valiant effort.

Bishop led the Kings with  25 points and 11 rebounds,  Ahanmisi continued to establish himself as a key player for the team with 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds and Standhardinger contributed his own double-double with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.

Stanley Pringle also contributed his share with 10 points on 4-of-10 shooting in 25 minutes.

Japeth Aguilar had eight points, three rebounds and two blocks, and Scottie Thompson had  seven points, six assists and three rebounds.

With the win, Ginebra  now shares the second spot with Phoenix Super LPG and Meralco with similar 3-1 win-loss records behind only Magnolia Chicken Timplados’ perfect 4-0 card.

Blackwater import  Chris Ortiz  led his team with 20 points on 7-of-18 shooting, 10 rebounds and five assists in  44 minutes of action.

RK Ilagan and Troy Rosario contributed 15 points each for the Bossing, who suffered their fourth consecutive loss after debuting with a victory. 

Ilagan, however, was a non-factor in the second half.

Ilagan scored 13 points with three triples in the first 24 minutes of play to help Blackwater take an early 36-19 lead in the first quarter and  50-41 advantage at halftime.

The scores:

Ginebra  (90) – Bishop 25, Ahanmisi 20, Standhardinger 16, Pringle 10, J.Aguilar 8, Thompson 7, Pinto 4, Cu 0.

Blackwater  (87) – Ortiz 20, Ilagan 15, Rosario 15, Hill 11, Suerte 8, DiGregorio 8, Guinto 8, David 2, Casio 0, Escoto 0, Ayonayon 0, Banal 0.

Quarterscores: 19-36, 41-50, 71-69, 90-87.