Ginebra sizzles in title-defense opener

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel barely showed signs of championship hangover and instead came out ready to defend the Philippine Basketball Association Governors Cup Sunday.

In front of a good-sized crowd that was excited to see them back in action after an epic seven-game final conquest few weeks ago, the Gin Kings drubbed the winless Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 116-108, for a strong start in this season-ending tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings generated production from the usual suspects but also got huge contributions from unlikely sources particularly Nards Pinto, who finished with 12 points in the limited time he was given.

Five other players ended in double figures with import Justin Brownlee leading the way with 29 points and 11 rebounds.
Japeth Aguilar contributed 18 markers on an 8-of-11 shooting from the field, Scottie Thompson had 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Jamie Malonzo and Stanley Pringle each had 14 markers for the Gin Kings.

Ginebra dealt Rain or Shine its fourth straight loss in the tournament.

Now languishing in the cellar, Rain or Shine is now contemplating on replacing its import, Michael Qualls.

The Scores:
GINEBRA 116 – Brownlee 29, J.Aguilar 18, Thompson 15, Pringle 14, Malonzo 14, Pinto 12, Gray 7, Standhardinger 4, Tenorio 3, Mariano 0

RAIN OR SHINE 108 – Qualls 23, Belga 21, Namabatac 18, Yap 11, Santillan 7, Torres 7, Mamuyac 6, Borboran 5, Asistio 4, Demusis 4, Norwood 2, Ponferrada 0

QUARTERS: 28-21, 50-45, 80-81, 116-108