Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra continued to look sharp on Friday night, upending NorthPort, 115-100, to stay perfect in the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Hobbled by a lethargic first half, the Gin Kings cranked things up in the second to annex a third-straight win in the third conference where they are the defending champions.
“We’re just looking for opportunities to win games early. We’re obviously going to wear down so the wins we’re getting now are important,” said coach Tim Cone, whose charges have won their second outing in a tightly-packed 12-game schedule.
Jamie Malonzo starred with a career-best 28 points that went with 10 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Resident import Justin Brownlee chipped in 22 while Jeremiah Gray sustained his fine play with 16 more as the Gin Kings remained steady even without Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar who were both injured.
WATCH: Ginebra’s Jamie Malonzo and coach Tim Cone after win against Northport.
Malonzo finished with a career-high 28 points to give the Gin Kings their third straight win. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/i9fX8Ky9uD
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 10, 2023
The Batang Pier initially looked poised for an upset with a hot start anchored on import Kevin Murphy and newly re-signed Robert Bolick’s fine play, but the Gin Kings’ poise was simply nothing to scoff at as the crowd darlings managed to widen the gap to 19 points down the stretch.
Murphy finished with 38 points and 11 rebounds, while Bolick 30 and five. Joshua Munzon added 12 more in the losing effort that had NorthPort staying winless in five games.
Up next for Barangay Ginebra is Magnolia which it plays this Sunday also at the bayside venue.
NorthPort, meanwhile, faces tall odds as it faces 5-0 San Miguel Beer next.
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