king game PBA: Ginebra rallies, beats Magnolia on Scottie Thompson winner

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings celebrate after a thrilling win over Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Starting at holes as deep as 22 points, Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night escaped Magnolia, 95-92, for a thrilling end to a sensational Christmas Day showcase at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings escaped their sister team Hotshots by the skin of their teeth on a Scottie Thompson buzzer-beating left corner triple, ultimately willing the club back to the winning column with four wins and two losses.

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RJ Abarrientos was crowned Player of the Game with 20 points and five assists, his heroics plucking the club out of that deep rut and paving the way for a Scottie takeover and Barangay Ginebra’s rebound from a stinging loss to Converge in Batangas.

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“They were designed for RJ to make a decision,” coach Tim Cone said of the final moments of the contest. “We put the game in RJ’s hands and he delivered with a great pass to Scottie.”

“We all struggled in the first half. But we all wanted to go home a winner. Coach Tim said ‘Never Say Die,'” the rookie playmaker said.

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Thompson ended up with 14 points, five rebounds and six assists. Justin Brownlee showed the way with 28 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

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Magnolia got the goods from import Ricardo Ratliffe who had 17 points and 16 rebounds. Mark Barroca and Paul Lee chipped in 11 each as the Chito Victolero-mentored crew slide to 2-5 (win-loss)

The one-year Loan Prime Rate (LPR), which constitutes the benchmark for the most advantageous rates lenders can offer to businesses and households, was cut from 3.35 percent to 3.1.

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Barangay Ginebra plunges back into action against another corporate sibling in San Miguel. The two heavyweights collide on Jan. 5.

Mangolia, meanwhile, will face Terrafirma next in a clash slated Jan. 10.

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