Ginebra dominates error-prone Magnolia to enter PBA PH Cup semis

Christian Standhardinger put up a season-high in the last Manila Clasico of the season. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The final Manila Clasico of the 2023-2024 PBA season belongs to Ginebra.

The Gin Kings made quick work of the Magnolia Hotshots with a 99-77 win to seal the first Philippine Cup semifinal spot on Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Only needing one quarterfinal win to qualify win, Ginebra, despite having errors of their own early on, pounced on Magnolia defensively, forcing the Hotshots to a bunch of turnovers, 21 in total including 10 in the first period, that helped the Gin Kings open a huge lead that they held on until the end.

Christian Standhardinger led Ginebra, which will play the winner of the Meralco-NLEX quarterfinal series in the semifinals, with a season-high 36 points on 16-of-22 shooting, 11 rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Maverick Ahanmisi added 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Scottie Thompson put up 11 points, six rebounds, 10 assists, seven steals, and one block.

Mark Barroca had 19 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and one steal for Magnolia.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 99 – Standhardinger 36, Ahanmisi 16, J. Aguilar 12, Thompson 11, Cu 11, Pringle 6, Gumaru 3, Pinto 2, David 2, Onwubere 0, R. Aguilar 0, Pessumal 0, Tenorio 0, Murrell 0

MAGNOLIA 77 – Barroca 19, Dionisio 10, Sangalang 8, Tratter 8, Abueva 8, Mendoza 7, Lee 6, Laput 4, Balanza 3, Dela Rosa 2, Ahanmisi 2, Reavis 0, Jalalon 0, Eriobu 0

QUARTERS: 28-17, 52-36, 80-58, 99-77

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