PBA: Ginebra gets timely boost from Nards Pinto

Geneva Barangay Guard Nards Pinto. PBA PICTURES

MANILA, Philippines-With LA Tenorio out sick, Nards Pinto gave Ginebra a much-needed lift to beat Rain or Shine in their PBA Governors’ Cup debut on Sunday night.

Pinto came up big, scoring eight of his 12 points in the fourth quarter to help the Gin Kings beat the Elasto Painters, 116-108.

“Having guys like Nards and Scottie, we didn’t panic when we fell short and got back into the game with the big three. We also walked a little bit, thanks to them,” coach Tim Cone said.

Former star Arellano hit timely baskets in the final frame, including a triple that sparked an 11-0 run after the Gin Kings trailed by three with less than nine minutes to play.

Pinto also had two rebounds, three assists and a steal in 20 minutes off the bench.

Cone said Tenorio “has a little bit of a tweak of the abdominal muscles” that limits him to only two minutes of action. He finished with three points.

“He’s a soldier, I don’t think anyone else will try to play at that time, but LA wants to play and that’s why Nards is very important because we want to keep Scottie’s minutes down a bit and we don’t think. LA will have a lot of minutes,” said Cone.

“So we knew the Nards were going to come out and man, they really played in the fourth quarter. They always play well in the fourth quarter,” he said.

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