Ginebra scores come-from-behind win vs NLEX; Converge wins

Barangay Ginebra fought back from 19 points down in the third period to pull off a huge come-from-behind victory over NLEX, 83-75, in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Gin Kings turned the offensive switch midway through the third quarter led by Arvin Tolentino, who finished with 17 points even as Japeth Aguilar was a picture of consistency all game long, tallying 20 points, grabbing seven rebounds and blocking three shots for Ginebra.

It was a big bounce back win for the Gin Kings, who were coming off an 89-84 loss to the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots last Sunday.

Ginebra improved its win-loss record to 3-1 and secured the solo second spot behind San Miguel Beer (3-0).

The Gin Kings played minus Stanley Pringle, who was sidelined by a hamstring injury, but despite missing one of their key players, the league's crowd darling were able to get the job done behind a strong 13-0 third quarter run that jump started the rally.

In the other game, Converge banked on the solid games from Mike Digregorio, Maverick Ahanmisi and David Murrell to put away the Terrafirma Dyip, 97-84..

Digregorio knocked in 12 of his 19 points in the fourth period to lead the way for the FiberXers, who improved to 2-3.

Even more impressive was Ahanmisi, a last-minute inclusion in the squad, who scattered 14 of his 17 points in the fourth period. The veteran guard missed the team's first game of the season and had to play his in-game condition for the next four games.

Murrell, on the other hand, finished with a career-high 15 points, three rebounds and two steals.

The FiberXers defeated a Dyip team that has not won in four games and played minus the services of Jeron Teng and Kevin Racal, who were both sidelined by injuries.

According to Converge coach Jeff Cariaso, Racal sprained his ankle at practice on Tuesday and he will be back by Sunday. Teng, meanwhile, had severe soreness in his hip and will take a couple more weeks before he can return.

Source: TheManila Times