Balanced Gin Kings rediscover identity in rout of Blackwater

Tiger Scores365

Barangay Ginebra looked every bit like its old self Friday night.

After stumbling in its conference opener, the Gin Kings responded with a complete performance, overwhelming Blackwater, 115-85, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum to secure their first victory in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup.

It wasn't just the margin of victory that impressed—it was the way Ginebra got there.

The Gin Kings overwhelmed the Bossing in the second and third quarters, outscoring them 65-40 to transform a competitive game into a rout. By the end of the third period, Ginebra had built a commanding 96-63 lead and never looked back.

Stephen Holt's fifth three-pointer of the night pushed the advantage to its largest at 105-65 with 9:46 left in the game, capping a dominant display on both ends of the floor.

Head coach Tim Cone welcomed the response after his team's frustrating loss to Phoenix.

"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," Cone said.

That ball movement was evident throughout the contest as Ginebra piled up 35 assists and placed eight players in double figures.

Holt led the balanced attack with 19 points, drilling five three-pointers while adding seven rebounds and five assists to earn Player of the Game honors.

Import Riley Grigsby complemented him with 18 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, showing a more complete game after going without an assist in his league debut.

Rookie RJ Abarrientos continued his steady play with 14 points and six assists, while Japeth Aguilar nearly recorded a double-double with 11 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks.

Troy Rosario, Ralph Cu, Nards Pinto, and Kemark Carino each finished with 11 points as virtually every member of the rotation contributed.

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

The victory evened the Gin Kings' record at 1-1 in Group B and restored momentum heading into Sunday's highly anticipated semifinal rematch against Rain or Shine.

For Blackwater, the loss marked a second straight setback after a promising 2-0 start. Import Kentrell Barkley finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds, but the Bossing struggled to match Ginebra's depth, execution, and relentless pace throughout the night.