PBA: Streaking Ginebra nears twice-to-beat, tops Converge

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra surged to the top for a second advantage to beat in the quarterfinals after a 120-101 win over a Converge team still reeling from the lack of offense from import Jamaal Franklin in the PBA Governors. The trophy is at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Jamie Malonzo produced a career-high 29 points while Christian Standhardinger continued his excellent form as the two were among the big performers that gave the Gin Kings their fourth straight win and a 7-2 record.

“The fact that these guys found a way to go deep was just amazing to watch,” coach Tim Cone said.

Ginebra has two chances to place in the top four, the first against lowly Terrafirma at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Standhardinger had 28 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three steals, import Justin Brownlee had 28 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while rookie Jeremiah Gray added 16.

But perhaps the bigger story came from the losing side as Franklin seemed reluctant to participate in Converge’s offense.

Franklin scored just four points and attempted just five shots in 35 minutes, a stark contrast to his impressive performance in the loss to Meralco two days earlier.

The former NBA player scored 57 on 36 attempts in Converge’s 132-129 loss. He came into the game averaging 37.3 points and 23.1 attempts, leaving everyone baffled by his change in mindset.

Converge suffered their third straight loss as they fell out of contention for the second bonus to beat by ending the elims with a score of 6-5.

Score:

GENEVA 120 — Malonzo 29, Brownlee 28, Standhardinger 28, Gray 16, Thompson 5, Pinto 4, R.Aguilar 4, Pringle 3, Onwubere 3, Pessumal 0, Dillinger 0.

CONVERGE 101 — Ahanmisi 24, Teng 12, Murrell 11, Arana 11, Stockton 10, Tratter 9, Racal 7, Scale 7, Franklin 4, Ebona 3, Tolomia 3.

Quarter: 29-24, 64-55, 93-78, 120-101.

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