Eastern fends off weary Ginebra to go 5-1 in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

Sports

HONG Kong-based guest team Eastern took care of business against a weary opponent, beating the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 93-90, to keep its winning streak going in the 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night, December 15, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Though weary, Ginebra, which played its third game in five nights, managed to make the game close but ultimately fell when Scottie Thompson missed a potential game-tying triple as the final buzzer sounded.

Eastern, thus, cruised to a third straight win and moved up to second spot in the team standings with a 5-1 (win-loss) record. Leading the race are the NorthPort Batang Pier, who are yet to lose after five games.

Chris McLaughlin put in 20 points, 21 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and one steal as he stayed undefeated in three games that he had played as an import of Eastern.

Hayden Blankley top scored for Eastern with 25 points. Ramon Cao added 14 markers and Glen Yang chipped in 11.

Japeth Aguilar led Ginebra with 26 points but suffered what looked like a foot injury in the closing minutes of the match.

Justin Brownlee struggled mightily, going 6-of-23 from field for an 18-point performance as the Kings faltered after starting the tournament with two straight wins.

THE SCORES:

EASTERN (93)- Blankley 25, McLaughlin 20, Cao 14, Yang 11, Lam 8, Chan 6, Guinchard 5, Leung 3, Xu 1, Zhu 0.

GINEBRA (90)- J. Aguilar 26, Brownlee 18, Holt 14, Abarrientos 12, Rosario 12, Thompson 8, Cu 0, Adamos 0, Ahanmisi 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 26-25, 54-44, 73-67, 93-90.(CCM)