Gin Kings rout Bossing for first Governors' Cup victory

Barangay Ginebra bounced back from its opening-game defeat with a dominant 115-85 victory over Blackwater on Friday in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Governors' Cup at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After falling to Phoenix in its conference opener, the Gin Kings quickly took control and broke the game wide open in the middle quarters. Ginebra outscored Blackwater, 65-40, in the second and third periods to turn a slim lead into a commanding 96-63 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

The lead grew to 40 points early in the final period after Stephen Holt buried a three-pointer that made it 105-65 with 9:46 remaining, allowing Ginebra to cruise to the victory.

Head coach Tim Cone credited his team's improved execution following its disappointing start to the conference.

"We came out and played better. They were playing well, so I'm surprised we got this kind of win. We moved the ball and when that happens, you get the shots and you generate points," said Cone.

The Gin Kings displayed a balanced offensive attack, with eight players finishing in double figures while recording 35 assists.

Holt earned Player of the Game honors after tallying 19 points on five three-pointers, along with seven rebounds and five assists.

Import Riley Grigsby added 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, bouncing back with a well-rounded performance after failing to record an assist in his PBA debut.

Rookie RJ Abarrientos contributed 14 points and six assists, while Japeth Aguilar narrowly missed a double-double with 11 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks.

Troy Rosario, Ralph Cu, Nards Pinto, and Kemark Carino also scored 11 points apiece.

"We started right, played defense and moved the ball — that's Ginebra basketball," Holt said.

The victory improved Ginebra to 1-1 in Group B ahead of its semifinal rematch against Rain or Shine on Sunday.

Blackwater dropped to 2-2 after suffering its second straight defeat. Import Kentrell Barkley led the Bossing with 26 points and 10 rebounds but received little support as Ginebra dominated throughout.