PBA: Ginebra holds on to defeat Blackwater, completes Govs’ Cup quarterfinals cast

MANILA — Barangay Ginebra managed to hold on against Blackwater, 101-96, to secure the final quarterfinals spot in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

After multiple empty possessions late by the Gin Kings, John Cedrick Abis iced two clutch free throws that expanded their lead to eight with 39.4 seconds left, 101-93, although Jack Cruz-Dumont challenged the other side with a triple conversion on the wing that made the match a five-point encounter—which, eventually, turned out to be the final score.

While Cruz-Dumont gave up a foul on Ralph Cu before reaching penalty, the Bossing side did not choose to play the foul game, as the Gin Kings bagged the quarterfinals spot to face sister team San Miguel.

Jordan Murphy turned in 22 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, as Troy Rosario added 17 markers. RJ Abarrientos had 14 points, Jeremiah Gray chipped in 11 markers and four boards, as Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar chipped in 10 each for the winning cause.

Meanwhile, it is the end of the road for the Bossing in this conference. Kentrell Barkley had 16 points and nine rebounds, while Sedrick Barefield had 12 markers for the losing side.

GINEBRA 101 – Murphy 22, Rosario 17, Abarrientos 14, Gray 11, Thompson 10, J.Aguilar 10, Estil 8, Cu 7, Abis 2, Holt 0, Torres 0, Pinto 0, Go 0

BLACKWATER 96 – Barkley 16, Barefield 12, Panopio 9, Murrell 9, Tratter 7, Una 7, David 6, Escoto 6, Ilagan 6, Mendoza 5, Demusis 3, Sena 3, Cruz-Dumont 3, DiGregorio 2, Austria 2, 

QUARTERS: 33-19, 63-47, 87-72, 101-96