.jpg)
Ginebra's RJ Abarrientos in action. PBA Images
POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — Barangay Ginebra earned a bounce-back win, beating undermanned Meralco, 84-75, in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Gin Kings regained their winning ways after losing to Rain or Shine, 99-110, last time around.
It was RJ Abarrientos who led the charge, earning Best Player of the Game honors after putting up a game-high 27 points to go with three triples, three rebounds, and three assists.
RELATED: PBA: Nocum’s heroics, career-high power Rain or Shine over Magnolia
Joining the Ginebra guard in double-digit scoring is American import Riley Grigsby, followed through with 25 points and nine rebounds.
Meanwhile, Meralco, which was missing the services of CJ Cansino (right hip flexor strain), Jason Brickman (flu), Bong Quinto (vertigo), and Raymond Almazan (back spasms), suffered its third loss in five matches.
Antonio Hester’s 24-point and 18 rebound output paced the Bolts side, while Chris Banchero had 15 markers.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 84 – Abarrientos 27, Grigsby 25, Holt 8, J.Aguilar 7, Rosario 7, Go 5, Cu 3, Gray 2, Abis 0, Pinto 0, Carino 0, Torres 0
MERALCO 75 – Hester 24, Banchero 15, Bates 8, Mocon 8, Newsome 7, Maliksi 6, Hodge 4, Rios 3, Black 0, Comia 0, Caram 0
QUARTERS: 18-10, 44-29, 65-50, 84-75