PBA: Ginebra bounces back from Blackwater's early barrage for back-to-back tight wins

Tony Bishop led the way anew for Ginebra in another down-the-wire win. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Ginebra rallied back from an explosive first quarter by Blackwater but had to heave another sigh of relief in the end for a 90-87 win in their PBA Commissioner's Cup game on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena.

The Gin Kings found themselves in a deep hole after the Bossing dropped seven threes in the first quarter en route to a 36-19 lead at the end of the period.

Ginebra, however, slowly chipped away the lead and eventually took a 79-71 lead with 9:20 left in the fourth quarter.

Blackwater, though, rallied back and retook the lead momentarily, 82-81, with 6:19 left.

While the Gin Kings reclaimed the lead, the game remained tight, and the Bossing even had a chance to force overtime with 4.6 seconds left.

However, Japeth Aguilar blocked Chris Ortiz's heavily challenged three-point attempt as before time expired.

Tony Bishop led Ginebra, now at 3-1 in the team standings, with 25 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, one block, and two steals.

Maverick Ahanmisi added 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Christian Standhardinger put up 16 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and one steal.

Ortiz finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists for Blackwater, which dropped to 1-4.

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