Ginebra survives SMB's early Q4 scare to take semis opener

Christian Standhardinger was dominant anew for Ginebra. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

ANTIPOLO—Ginebra survived an early fourth-quarter blast from San Miguel to take Game 1 of the PBA Governors' Cup semifinals through a 121-112 win on Friday at the Ynares Center here.

Up by 15 points after three quarters, the Gin Kings, playing for the first time after they found out about LA Tenorio's battle with colon cancer, found themselves in trouble of blowing the game after the Beermen opened the fourth on a 15-0 run to force a 95-all tie with 9:05 left.

Ginebra responded by going on a 10-2 rally to go up, 105-97, with 6:18 remaining, and the team never let go of the lead in the end.

Christian Standhardinger led the Gin Kings with 33 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and one steal, while Jamie Malonzo added 27 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Justin Brownlee finished with a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds alongside six assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Cameron Clark led the Beermen with 26 points on 10-of-15 field goals, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

CJ Perez added 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Marcio Lassiter came up with 20 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

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