Ginebra reclaims top four spot with Manila Clasico win over Magnolia

0Shares

Jamie Malonzo fired the game-sealing three-pointer to stun the Magnolia Hotshots. [PBA Images]

Barangay Ginebra split its two games in three nights but made sure to win the one that mattered most — the Manila Clasico — to climb back into the top four of the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round.

A clutch finish from Stephen Holt and Jamie Malonzo powered the Gin Kings past rivals Magnolia Hotshots, 85-81, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The win lifted Ginebra to a 6-3 record, breaking free from a tie with TNT and Rain or Shine, and reasserting its bid for a top-four finish and a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinals.

Ginebra rallies late behind Holt and Malonzo

Ginebra trailed by as much as nine points before staging a gutsy rally. Holt’s driving layup gave the Kings the lead before Malonzo buried a dagger three-pointer, extending the gap to 85-79 in the dying seconds — a margin the Hotshots failed to overcome.

Holt finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Malonzo added 11 points, five boards, and two steals. It was a balanced effort, with Japeth Aguilar leading the team with 17 points and 11 rebounds, Troy Rosario chipping in 15, and RJ Abarrientos contributing 10.

Scottie Thompson may have had just five points but pulled down 11 rebounds and dished out five assists, further fueling Ginebra’s all-around team effort.

Playoff race intensifies as Ginebra climbs, Magnolia slips

The loss dropped Magnolia to 7-2, pulling them into a tie with NLEX Road Warriors for first place. San Miguel Beer, at 6-2, sits just behind them.

Earlier, NLEX’s win over Phoenix completed the Final Eight cast, officially eliminating Blackwater, NorthPort, Terrafirma, and the Fuel Masters from playoff contention.

Despite the confirmed playoff qualifiers, the battle for the top four remains wide open. Ginebra has a crucial schedule ahead with games against TNT Tropang 5G on June 8 and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on June 15 — both vital in determining quarterfinal seeding.

On the losing end, Ian Sangalang and Zav Lucero paced Magnolia with 16 points apiece, but the Hotshots couldn’t recover after Ginebra’s late burst.