Thompson powers Ginebra’s victory over Meralco. PBA photo
Ginebra rides Thompson’s big game
FORMER MVP Scottie Thompson made a triumphant return and defending champion Barangay Ginebra snapped a two-game losing skid with a 110-96 win over Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Thompson, who sat out Ginebra’s last three games due to a recurring back injury, produced 21 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the field, seven rebounds, seven assists, and one block in a turnover-less 38 minutes on the floor to help the Kings end a two-game losing skid and move into a tie with San Miguel Beer at 5-3 overall.
The 6-1 pride of Davao del Sur also shone on the defensive floor as he helped Maverick Ahanmisi and Jamie Malonzo in limiting Meralco import Zach Lofton to only 23 points on 7-of-20 shooting from the floor., including 2-of-210 from deep, in 42 minutes.
The 6-1 Lofton, who played for the Detroit Pistons from 2018-2019, was averaging 42.0 points heading into the crucial showdown with Ginebra. Lofton also had to sit out for three minute after committing a flagrant foul,
“Twice-to-beat in the quarters is a huge advantage, and we want to be in the Top 4 to get that,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who is also preparing his wards for a Christmas Day showdown against TNT Tropang Giga.
Cone also mentioned his chargers challenged by Meralco being on a good run.
“The guys were challenged to come out tonight,” added Cone, referring to the o Bolts’ four-game romp.
The Bolts dropped to 6-2,
Ahanmisi led all scorers with 25 points . three rebounds and three assists.while Christian Standhardinger added a near triple-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists.
Malonzo finished with 17 points while import Tony Bishop had 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The scores:
Ginebra (110)– Ahanmisi 25, Thompson 21, Standhardinger 21, Malonzo 17, Bishop 12, Pringle 7, J.Aguilar 7, Tenorio 0, Onwubere 0
Meralco (96) – Lofton 23, Hodge 17, Black 14, Maliksi 10, Quinto 10, Newsome 9, Almazan 6, Pascual 4, Banchero 3, Torres 0, Bates 0, Rios 0
Quarterscores: 24-25, 53-50, 84-75, 110-96.
