Ginebra buckled down for the win as GlobalPort bucks in clutch

Japeth Aguilar led the charge as Ginebra is now at the top of the standings. Denver Lachica

By JP Abcede

MANILA—The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel relied on endgame exploits to notch a come-from-behind conquest of the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 104-97, in their 2017-18 PBA Philippine Cup elimination round encounter.

Trailing by eight in the early part of the fourth period, Ginebra clawed its way back and took the lead for good with a Japeth Aguilar three-point play, 98-96, 2:21 remaining in the contest. Coach Tim Cone's wards then held the Batang Pier to a single point in the final two minutes to preserve the lead and cap the win.

Aguilar led the Barangay with 21 points, while also delivering nine rebounds, four assists, and six blocks. Frontcourt partner Greg Slaughter had a statline of 18 markers, nine boards, and five rejections.

LA Tenorio finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. He is now 15th overall in career assists in the league.

Former Santo Tomas Tigers Aljun Mariano and Jervy Cruz paired up for 21 points off the bench.

Sean Anthony and Stanley Pringle came up with 29 and 23 points, respectively. Kelly Nabong and Julian Sargent were the other double-digit scorers for GlobalPort with 12 each.

BGSM is now tied with idle San Miguel Beer with a 2-0 card. GBP is still winless after two assignments.